KARL Robinson has urged everyone to stick together tomorrow as Oxford United host Bradford City in a vitally-important relegation battle.

It is the third crunch clash against a fellow struggler in a week – and after taking one point from a possible six out of visits to Gillingham and Rochdale, the pressure is mounting.

United are in the relegation zone on goal difference, while the 23rd-placed Bantams’ need for points is even greater.

Also read: Oxford United's scoring issues would not be solved by two up front – Karl Robinson

The ingredients are there for a tense afternoon, but Robinson’s message is to stay united.

He said: “We just need your help to support us.

“I’m asking for that because the players need it. Take me, Shaun (Derry), Faz (Derek Fazackerley) and all the staff, away from it.

“Your players need you. And when things don’t go quite right, let’s not compound it.

“I can’t compound it because it makes it worse. I have to encourage and keep believing.

“We have to keep believing together and that’s a very important factor in all of a football club’s successes and failures.

“When there’s a disconnection between the two (supporters and players) we tend to find there’s only one outcome.

Also read: Oxford United clash is just another game, says Bradford City boss Gary Bowyer

“I know they will (get behind us) because they really care and they’re passionate people.”

Much of the focus is on Robinson, who will mark a year in charge of the U’s next week.

While the last 12 months has not gone to plan, the former MK Dons and Charlton Athletic boss is unfazed about the scrutiny and believes the difficult spell has improved him.

“We’re under constant pressure in this industry, that’s just the way the game is,” he said.

“You can never worry about it. It has to be something instilled in you as a professional.

“I try to stay calm through that, I’ve been around for a long time through different successes and failures and learned from them all.

Also read: Oxford United forward Jamie Mackie pleased threat of suspension is now over

“Even when I stand here right now I’m a better person and a better manager for the experience I’ve had for the last 12 months.

“I know how to win games and defend games.

“We are getting better as a football club, but we’re not getting the results we need and that is always where the team will be judged.

“That is something we’ve got to make sure we put right.”

While Tuesday’s goalless draw at Rochdale was frustrating, Robinson besees it as a platform to build on.

He said: I think keeping a clean sheet was so important – we will grow in confidence from this.

“We just have to make sure we capitalise now on a good away point and we go home next and take all three points.

“It’s a big game, we know that, but there’s nine to go and they’re all big.”