KARL Robinson was in high spirits on his first morning back at Oxford United’s training ground.

The U’s head coach has finished his ten-day isolation after testing positive for coronavirus, initially through a lateral flow swab last Monday.

Robinson has watched United’s last three matches from home and been in constant contact over the phone, but was thrilled to be back as he prepares for Saturday's visit of Morecambe.

“I couldn’t wait to get in this morning,” the U’s boss said.

“I don’t feel like I’ve ever worked a day in my life, because I love what I do.

“I’ve never tried to hide that, I’m working in everyone’s favourite pastime.

“I never take this job for granted and even more so after not being here for ten days.

“The most I’ve been out of work since I started managing has been three weeks, so I’ve never had that much time off the grass coaching.”

Read also: Craig Short reflects on last ten days as Karl Robinson ends isolation

The 41-year-old has stayed as involved as possible during his time away, watching training sessions and analysing opposition sides.

But he has also used isolation to unwind and – like many of us – was hooked on the hit Netflix drama Squid Game.

Robinson added: “We’re in a world of laptops, internet, films and box sets, so it was an opportunity to take stock and rest.

“I’ve not had too much of a break in recent years, so it makes you ready and raring to go again.

“I’ve watched all sorts of weird and wonderful things.

“Everyone knows about Squid Game, that’s crazy, but I loved it and the messages behind it.”

The United manager has had the house to himself, with his family on holiday in Barbados.

He said: “When I got it I stayed in a certain room and didn’t come out for the period of time they were in the house.

“They were planning to go anyway, so I was left on my own – it was brilliant.

“I’ve been crying it in a little bit, there’s been a bit of guilt chucked on the family.”