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Matt Bloomfield speaks out on being sacked by Oxford United and reflects on time at the club

Matt Bloomfield speaks out after being sacked by recently relegated Oxford United and reflects on his time at the club.

Two weeks ago, the 42 year old’s short stint in charge came to an end, with the season ended with the club heading back to League One.

He had been appointed in January 2026, coming in as replacement for the sacked Gary Rowett, and oversaw the second half of the 2025/26 season.

His side saw some encouraging results which for a time boosted their survival hopes, but was unable to keep them in the Championship, finishing 20th with 47 points and were 4 points from safety.

Matt Bloomfield has now issued a statement via the League Managers Association website after being sacked by Oxford United.

He said: “It has been a privilege to be Head Coach at Oxford United and I want to thank the fans for their support and commitment throughout my time at this fantastic club.

“From the families who waited by my car to chat, the gifts I received at the end of the season and the young supporters who waited for photos after games, I’ve been moved by the warmth and kindness you have shown in welcoming me and my family to Oxford.

“The way you received the players after our final home game against Sheffield Wednesday was special and is something I will always reflect fondly on.

“Despite being unable to make up the points deficit we inherited, I’m proud of the players, coaching staff and tireless work we put in to turn the season around – the players gave everything, and I believe that if we had longer together, the outcome would have been different. Naturally, I’m disappointed not to be taking things forward. I was excited to continue this work and implement our clear vision to evolve the playing style and move the club forward.

“I also want to thank the Owner, Board and Ed Waldron for the opportunity to work at such a great club, and I wish everybody connected with Oxford United the very best for the future and I hope our paths cross again.

“I want to end by paying tribute to Amelia Aplin and her family. How this club and community came together at an incredibly difficult time will always stay with me and Amelia’s memory will live on in our hearts forever.”‍

Matt Bloomfield

Oxford United thanked Matt for his efforts and wished him every success in the future, before appointing Aaron Ramsey.

On the 30th of April, he spoke of being confident of keeping his job at the club: “Yes, I’m confident,” he told BBC Radio Oxford.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at the club. It’s obviously not been the outcome that we wanted for the season.

“We’ve been pleasantly content with some of the improvements we have made but ultimately we wanted to stay in the league.

“I’ve not given much thought to my job and the bigger situation and ultimately, as a manager or head coach, all you can do is focus on being the best you can be.”

He said he hoped to be given the chance to win promotion with the U’s next season and that he had thebacking of the board to do so.

“I’ve not heard anything to the contrary,” he continued.

“I keep doing my job. I don’t know anything else, so I keep working.

“We’ve spent lots of time with Ed (Waldron) this week as we always do, talking about everything that’s going on around the building, around the team.

“So from my side nothing’s changed, as a head coach and as a manager, I keep working.”

Matt Bloomfield said to BBC Radio Oxford after relegation: “I think we were up against a very, very good team who showed in every element of their performance why they are where they are and why they have the chance of getting into the Premier League.

“I thought we were not at our best, but considering the surroundings of the game it was always going to be a difficult game for us and that proved to be true.

“Our supporters have been incredible. They are amazing group, we can all see how much pride they take in their football club, our guys are amazing, so a massive thank you to them.

“The players care a lot, they’ve given us everything I believe that over the last four months since I’ve been in the building, we’re so terribly disappointed to come up short, but I don’t think that’s through a lack of effort.

“I think everyone’s given it everything they’ve got and unfortunately for us we’ve not quite had enough to stay in the division.”

Matt Bloomfield and Will Lankshear react to Oxford relegated after two years in Championship

Here’s how fans reacted after Matt Bloomfield speaks out on being sacked by Oxford United and reflects on time at the club…

@Shottonstache: A really classy statement from Matt Bloomfield, especially that final paragraph. Top bloke, and I hope he finds a new position soon.

@oxfjackm: End of that statement is absolutely class. Top bloke #oufc

Carz Joanne Dolts: I actually think he’s a lovely man.. thanks for your time Matt x

Jane Taylor: Lovely genuine man.

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