KARL Robinson is putting himself in the shoes of Oxford United fans as full capacity returns to the Kassam Stadium.

The club’s first home game of the season is always a special occasion, but tomorrow’s match against Charlton Athletic is even more significant.

United will play in front of full crowds at the ground for the first time since they beat Southend United 2-1 on February 29, 2020 – 533 days ago.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the suspension of football less than two weeks later and its impact has seen all-but four U’s home games played behind closed doors.

Many United supporters have only watched their side through a screen for the last 17 months and Robinson, himself a big Liverpool fan, is fully aware how much they have been missed.

The U’s head coach said: “It’s not just a job for me, it’s a way of life – my wife will vouch for that.

“I love the sport and I feel very privileged to be within it.

“For me as a fan not being able to go to Anfield, I get the emotion of people who sit in the terraces.

“I don’t think I’ve ever disconnected myself from being a football fan, being a manager is one of those situations where you always understand how important it is to them.

“It’s an opportunity to engage with people and make them as happy as they can.

“We hope that we can put a performance on that’s worthy of the occasion.”

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United did not play any pre-season friendlies at the stadium, so trained there yesterday to refamiliarise themselves with the ground.

Even for last summer’s signings, tomorrow will be a different experience to what they have become used to.

No more than 2,000 fans were allowed in for three games last December, while a capacity of 4,000 watched the Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final first leg against Blackpool in May.

Thousands more are expected tomorrow, including Charlton’s allocation of 1,717 away supporters.

Both sides made changes for their midweek Carabao Cup ties, but only United went through – beating Burton Albion on penalties, while The Addicks lost 1-0 at home to AFC Wimbledon.

After both sides drew on the opening weekend, Robinson is targeting a first win in 90 minutes this season to send the returning supporters home happy.

He said: “When you sit back and analyse what this industry means, you see the importance it brings to people’s wellbeing.

“Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, depending on what the result is at 5pm.

“We’re so excited to get people back in the stands, we know Charlton are going to bring 1,700.

“Generally that helps the atmosphere as well in this ground, so we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“Having an extra day’s recovery is going to favour them more than us, but we’re ready and raring to go.”