Championship strugglers Oxford United appoint ex-Hatters boss Bloomfield

Former Luton boss Matt Bloomfield has been appointed as the new head coach of Championship side Oxford United.

The 41-year-old had a difficult nine month spell in charge of the Hatters, as he couldn’t save Town from relegation out of the Championship, and then lost his job at Kenilworth Road following a run of just one win in five matches and three defeats, which left the club sitting 11th in the table. However, the ex-Wycombe and Colchester manager is now back in work to take over a U’s side who are second bottom in the second tier, three points from safety, having decided to end Gary Rowett’s tenure after a disappointing run of results last month.

Bloomfield was in attendance for last night’s FA Cup third round penalty shootout victory over MK Dons, with his first match in the dug-out against Bristol City next weekend, as speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I’m incredibly proud to be joining Oxford United. This felt like the right place at the right time. Oxford United are a Club with good foundations, ambition, and a playing group with significant potential, and that matches exactly where I am as a coach.

“I want my teams to work hard, attack with purpose, and play with a clear identity. Everyone has to understand their role, be accountable, and deliver consistently. I can’t wait to get out onto the grass and begin working with the players and staff to help this Club push forward this season and beyond.”

Meanwhile, U’s head of football operations Ed Waldron added: “We are really pleased to welcome Matt to Oxford United. It was important that we conducted a thorough recruitment process and took our time over this appointment. Matt stood out for his attention to detail, work ethic, and his strong belief in building success the right way. He is a coach with a very clear idea of how he wants his teams to play.

“He has a proven track record of developing both teams and individuals through strong leadership and communication, and we believe he is the right person to strengthen the group now and moving forward. We will work closely with Matt to give him every opportunity to succeed, including supporting him during the January transfer window, where we have already brought in two exciting players.”