“Next season starts here”. That’s the message from U’s Boss Karl Robinson as his side prepare to welcome Doncaster Rovers for the final game of the season on Saturday.
The U’s have missed out on a third successive trip to the play-offs but that doesn’t mean they will be easing up when they face a Doncaster side facing a seemingly impossible task to stay in League 1 on the final day.
“We have had a lot of meetings this week about the fundamental flaws and weaknesses this year and our objectives for next. Saturday is almost like pre-season has started and we will be aggressive, we want to win. If the players want any chance of being successful next year then they have to win on Saturday. They have the chance to fight for the shirt and we will be looking at what we have in the building for next year.
“We have to be relentless this summer and so aggressive in what we are trying to achieve. I am so disappointed to be doing an interview where we have nothing to play for on Saturday other than our pride but we have fallen short of our target. I always thought we would have something to play for on the last day but now moving forward has to be our sole aim.
“We can’t stand still as a club, we have to build on what we have already done. I don’t think there is anybody here who hasn’t given 100% and every team I have picked has tried their best. Just because you have a bad game doesn’t mean you don’t care. While you are here then working hard is non-negotiable.
“We have a chance to look at one or two of the youngsters but I also want to win the game. The under 18s played really well on Tuesday night against Oxford City and conducted themselves well against a good side. Tyler Goodrham is on loan and has games on Saturday and Monday so he can’t be involved but James Golding and Gatlin O’Donkor will be involved and that’s a good chance for them to be around what we do.
“Doncaster are an amazing club who have done so well over the last few years and we will respect them and the rest of the league as well. But first and foremost we want to win.”
See the full interview in iFollow right now.