The Robinsonian-era is over, four and a half-years of giant killings, play-offs near misses and countless last minute dramas. He gave debuts to seventy-eight players, including an estimated seventy-six winners (I joke, but only a bit). So, who were the best – you voted, I listed; Karl Robinson’s twenty-five best signings.

25. Dan Agyei

For many, Dan Agyei never had a chance, or at least, not enough of a chance. Slipped out the side door as part of a constant shifting of squad members, one that got away?

24. Olamide Shodipo

A player who might have had a bigger impact in the memory of the fans had he not played most of his Oxford football behind closed doors, ten goals including a memorable winner against Rochdale was a decent return.

23. Brandon Barker

A powerhouse winger in the mould of Marcus Browne signed on loan from Rangers, but only showed glimpses of his potential, even though it helped propel us into the playoffs in 2021.

22. Jack Stevens

The heir-apparent to Simon Eastwood, Stevens seemed set for the permanent number 1 shirt before being unexpectedly shipped out to Port Vale on loan.

21. Djavan Anderson

An enigmatic full-back signed (improbably) from Lazio. At times he seems to ghost past players like they don’t exist, other times he plays like he doesn’t exist.

20. Nathan Holland

A winger, loaned from West Ham, who definitely picked his moments – scorer of a wonder goal against Newcastle in the FA Cup, and the thrilling winner against Portsmouth last season were two.

19. Gatlin O’Donkor

Literally plucked from school to play in the first team in 2020, a player with potential who is carrying a heavy burden during this season’s struggles.

18. Jordan Thornily

With Karl Robinson looking for a commanding central defender with experience, along came Jordan Thornily. The only catch was, he wasn’t ours. Lasted half-a-season before being recalled by Blackpool.

17. Tyler Goodrham

A breath of fresh air in a difficult season, Goodrham is part of a crop of promising academy players now established in the first team squad. His goal against Cambridge, and the accompanying post-match interview were both a particular joy.

16. Marcus McGuane

A commanding midfielder who, but for injury, would probably be playing elsewhere. This season we’ve seen much more of what he’s capable of.

15. Ciaron Brown

A committed central defender signed initially on loan from Cardiff before it was made permanent in 2022. Enjoying a decent season, even if Karl Robinson’s over-reliance on his long throws as an attacking threat has been an emblem of the manager’s downfall.

14. Lewis Bate

The Leeds loanee has been an industrious presence in the midfield this season, secured Karl Robinson’s last point with a spectacular equaliser against MK Dons.

13. Jamie Mackie

A real miss-him-when-he’s-gone player; Jamie Mackie was three parts lunacy, two parts ability. His last minute winner against Bradford in 2019 turned Karl Robinson’s tenure around. One of the greatest sixty seconds you’ll ever see on a football field.

12. Marcus Browne

A quintessential Robinson signing, when fit he has blistering power that can shred League One defences, sadly his time at Oxford has been blighted by injuries leaving him looking a shadow of what he once was.

11. Ryan Williams

Under-rated in many ways, not as spectacular as some of the others Robinson signed, but made up for it in his industrious efficiency. In truth, we could have done with a few more Ryan Williams’.

10. Elliott Moore

Robinson’s captain for a large chunk of his time at the club, a giant of a man who is better with the ball at his feet than in the air.

9. Chris Cadden

In the endless quest to find a top class wing-back, Robinson sacrificed the certainty of a permanent signing for a Frankenstein’s monster loan deal for Chris Cadden. Made a huge difference, but only lasted half-a-season before heading to America.

8. Herbie Kane

Perhaps the best ball-player we saw over Robinson’s time. When he played well, so did everyone else. His fitness, or lack thereof, may well have been the single biggest reason we fell away from the playoffs in 2022.

7. Alex Gorrin

The likeable Spanish enforcer could be reckless in the tackle, but did lots of the dirty work that allowed others to play. Blighted by serious injury, we miss his full-blooded commitment.

6. Tariqe Fosu

Another half-season wonder, another player where Robinson sacrificed certainty for ability. When Brentford triggered his release clause after 10 goals in just twenty-eight starts, he was gone.

5. Mark Sykes

One of a trio of Irish discoveries, less immediate than Gavin Whyte, Sykes evolved into a key player who blossomed last season … and then, like the others, was gone.

4. Gavin Whyte

Robinson’s first master-stroke signing. Carried the team during his early struggles in 2018/19 before being sold to Cardiff. Re-joined on loan last season, wasn’t quite the same, but always had potential to cause mayhem.

3. Rob Atkinson

Another masterful signing, this time from Eastleigh. When Rob Dickie went to QPR, Rob Atkinson stepped into the vacant spot like a seasoned professional. After just a season he was picked up by Bristol City.

2. Luke McNally

It took two years for Rob Dickie to make it to the Championship, one year for Rob Atkinson and half a year for Luke McNally. In the end, Robinson’s success in discovering young centre-backs left him vulnerable to Championship vultures.

1. Matty Taylor

Not a signing, but a re-signing. Matty Taylor ticked all the boxes; the local boy returning to become a hero. It suited the Robinson narrative. A critical piece in the jigsaw puzzle, before, bafflingly, being loaned to Port Vale when we needed his presence the most.