UNDER-FIRE boss Karl Robinson accepts the criticism which is coming his way – but is adamant he is the best man to get Oxford United out of trouble.

Defeats to Accrington Stanley and Peterborough United in the past week have halted the side’s tentative recovery and returned them to the Sky Bet League One drop zone.

It has seen renewed calls from some supporters for owner Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth to make a change in a bid to arrest the slide towards League Two.

Robinson has won just ten of his 43 league games since being appointed 11 months ago.

But when asked if he had any doubts over whether he was the right person to be in charge, the former MK Dons and Charlton Athletic manager replied: “No. I think I’m good at my job.

“I think if you asked any of my players they’d tell you I’m very good at what I do.

“They’re certainly motivated every week. They’re certainly coached.

“I have to accept the criticism. It’s the most difficult time of my career, obviously.

“In ten years it’s not bad to have one bad year like this where things have been difficult.

“The problem is as a manager people forget those (other) nine years.”

Robinson’s tenure has been complicated by off-field upheaval, from a delayed move to the new training ground to a series of financial issues which have darkened the mood among supporters.

He said: “We respect the fans who are aggressive and harsh on what they have to say to us as people.

“We understand their frustration, but I have a lot to deal with here and a lot that falls on my shoulders.

“I’m willing to take all the burden. If you have to criticise me, do that, but stick behind your team, that’s the most important thing.”

He added: “We’ve had difficulties this year and I’ve never experienced in my life what we’ve had in this last seven or eight months – off the pitch as well as on it.

“There have been so many things that have gone on.”

Regardless of the off-field distractions, Robinson’s priority remains turning around a run of form which has brought just one win in 11 league games.

He admitted United left Accrington “scratching our heads” over how another game got away from them and the boss saw a concerning development during the defeat.

“We’re hurting, obviously, and worrying about where we are,” he said. “I saw a fear in their eyes for the first time.

“I’ve asked my players to stay strong.

“I back them to the hilt and I stick by them, I’ve probably got more belief in them than they have in themselves at the moment.

“A leader doesn’t always lead when things are going right.

“You have to be a leader when things aren’t going quite right and put your head above everything and take responsibility.”