EFL need to restart regular Covid tests - Oxford United boss

Oxford United paid for their own swabs to be taken twice a week when they returned to training for the play-off campaign in June and July.

They also had mandatory tests in pre-season, but now clubs only have to test players if they show symptoms, sign a new player, or have anyone returning from international duty.

The top-flight clubs still hold regular screening and several paid for their EFL opponents to be tested ahead of Carabao Cup meetings this week.

It led to Tottenham's game with Leyton Orient being postponed after several of the League Two side's players tested positive.

Robinson believes part of the financial support package which is being negotiated in the wake of this week's news games would have to continue behind closed doors for up to six months should focus on bringing back routine testing.

He said: We're in a billion pound industry. (Chelsea manager) Frank Lampard this week was saying the Premier League teams should help the lower leagues, there's got to be a support package somewhere. I'm sure there will be.

"There has to be money made available to have weekly testing back in our game for it to carry on. 

"There are some teams that probably wouldn't want to test, but we're not one of them.

"If I have to go to Accrington with four or five fewer players on Saturday because that's what makes this world a safer place to live, that's what we're willing to do.

"But there has to be a regulation which states we should be tested more often than we are right now."

He added: "The Premier League are still testing because they see the importance of it.

"What, because they've got the money does that mean their health is more important than ours?

"I don't get it, if they have to do it. We have families as well.

"You're asked to come back and support different sponsorship and TV deals to make sure money keeps coming back into the game, yet people don't want to test.

"It's not right – and it's not fair either."