THE extension of games being played behind closed doors has not impacted on what Oxford United are intending to do in the transfer market, says manager Karl Robinson.

Last week’s announcement that fans could be shut out for up to six months was a blow to everyone across the game.

Robinson admitted to feeling “lost” without the crowds, whose tickets also provide a crucial revenue stream for the club.

The uncertainty has seen other clubs scale back recruitment plans, just over a fortnight until the transfer window closes.

But the U’s head coach has not been told to change course.

“No, not at all,” he said. “Our board have been outstanding, I can’t ask any more as a manager.”

It leaves United still fighting to bring in players for three positions, with the bulk of the remaining budget on the salary cap going on a high-quality left winger.

Cover at centre half and left back is also required, although not as urgently as earlier in the month.

Josh Ruffels could return at left back as early as Saturday’s home game with Crewe Alexandra.

Robinson revealed an alternative from a higher-division club had been lined up to come in for the victory at Accrington Stanley on Saturday, but his side’s progress in the Carabao Cup put a spanner in the works.

He said: “We had a left back done that won last Tuesday.

“I think the Carabao Cup should have been in pre-season, it wouldn’t have been an issue then.”

John Mousinho could return from his knee injury by the end of October, so the need for an experienced centre half to get them through the winter has declined.

But an extra defensive option is still being sought, after injury and illness almost led to an experimental line-up at Accrington.

Robinson said: “We still need a centre back.

“On Friday night our back four was going to be (Kyran) Lofthouse, (Sam) Long, (Rob) Atkinson and (Michael) Elechi.

“We have many priorities right now.”

He added: “We’ll have to wait and see what comes over the next 48 hours.

“There are one or two things I want to do, but you’ve got to get them over the line.”