Oxford United confirm the appointment of Gary Rowett as replacement for Des Buckingham, which was quite the controversial decision.
This was a choice that was “immediately clear” following discussions according to chairman Grant Ferguson, as the club look to try and move clear of the Championship relegation zone.
They currently sit 20th with 18 points from 20 games played, are just 1 point above the drop, and have only won once in their last 15 games.
His press conference interview can be seen in full below…
Welcome, Gary Rowett 💛
— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) December 20, 2024
CLUB STATEMENT:
Oxford United are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Rowett as Head Coach of the Men’s First Team.
Rowett brings more than a decade of Championship managerial experience, with a career that has seen him take charge at Burton Albion, Birmingham City, Derby County, Stoke City and Millwall.
Oxford United Chairman, Grant Ferguson, said: “Following a thorough and diligent recruitment process, I am delighted that Gary Rowett has agreed to join us as Head Coach.
“It was immediately clear from the discussions we had with him that Gary perfectly matched the vision and long-term objectives that we have for the Club.
“Every decision taken is with the best interests of Oxford United in mind and we are confident that Gary will be instrumental in fulfilling our ambitions this season and beyond.
“We look forward to working alongside and supporting Gary to help us achieve our goals.”
Oxford United Chief Executive Officer, Tim Williams, stated: “To bring in a coach of Gary’s calibre and experience is a real statement of intent for this Club.
“Gary is someone who will drive our standards every day at our Training Ground and help us in our ambition to become a competitive Championship club.
“His proven track record of delivering consistent success in the Championship makes him the ideal candidate to strengthen the team on the pitch, while we continue to make improvements off it.”
Gary Rowett started his playing career with Cambridge United, before representing, amongst others, Everton, Derby County, Leicester City and Charlton Athletic.
He moved into coaching in 2009 when he was appointed assistant manager at Burton Albion, before becoming their permanent manager in 2012, where he reached the League Two Play-Off Semi-Finals and Final in successive seasons.
From 2014, Gary has worked exclusively in the Championship, where he has built competitive sides at Birmingham City, Derby County and Millwall.
Gary will be in the stands for United’s trip to Leeds United on Saturday, before his first game in charge on Boxing Day against Cardiff City.
An announcement regarding any additions to Gary’s coaching staff will be made in due course.
Welcome to Oxford United, Gary.
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At a press conference, Rowett said tot the Oxford Mail: “I’ve been in this position a few times now, and from my perspective, once you essentially agree and want to move forward, you usually get one or two days ironing a few things out behind the scenes.
“Of course that has to be done, but you just want it to be done and dusted so you can get to work, and it’s as simple as that.
“I’m really excited. I had really good discussions with everyone at the club. I’m really excited to hear not just the aims of this season, but also the plans for the future.
“I’ve always said the same, it’s about being part of an ambitious club regardless of what stage of that journey they’re on.
“For me to try and help as best I can, certainly on the pitch first and foremost, that we achieve those aims.”
Rowett said: “I’ve been cheating because I’ve had a year of assessing the Championship, which has been brilliant.
“A lot of media work has allowed me to essentially watch a lot of teams and immerse myself daily in a lot of sides, and watching Oxford alongside the competitors in the division.
“I think that stands me in good stead, so I’m pretty well versed in the team’s capabilities.
“They’re a team that early in the season had that newness about them in the division and I’ve certainly seen some very good performances.
“Then of course sometimes you see the challenges of the Championship and it knocks you back at times.
“I’m looking forward to building on the clear successes of the team over the previous period and trying to bring something a little different to help start looking up the table.
“I think that’s the key for me, not looking at the teams around you and the position that we’re in, but making sure you have a real clear ambition on the pitch to start climbing the table.”
Elliott Moore said, per the Oxford Mail: “I can only speak from what I feel on the pitch and around the lads. Something’s not been right, something’s got to change, and whatever’s happened outside, for us as players, we’ve got to make sure that we start turning the tide in our favour.
“At the end of the day, the performances haven’t been good enough compared to the start of the season, and the results have shown that.
“It’s down to us now, whether we go a goal down, whether we’re under the cosh, whatever the situation is, we stick together and try to make sure we come away with the three points. That’s what we need.”
On whether players and staff had to take some of the heat: “I’ll always say it, the players go out on the pitch. The coach pays a price because that’s the job, but it’s down to the staff and the players that we go out with the best intention and the best idea of how to win the game.
“But ultimately it comes down to us to put in a performance. From inside the camp, we know our performance levels as individuals and as a team have dropped off in the last month.
“Whether people think we scraped up last year to get promoted, we’ve set our standards, and our standards haven’t been reached in the last month or so.
“Football is a ruthless game, we’re not winning games, and it’s about getting those points.
“For us as players, we’ve got to take responsibility as well that the performances haven’t been good enough, and we need to roll up our sleeves and put up a good fight to make sure that we stay in this league.”
Looking ahead to the Leeds game: “As players as well, the news came as a shock, but it’s time to go to Elland Road.
“We’ll have a game plan. We’re going to put up a fight and go there trying to win the game, and we’re going to need all the support we can get.
“Let’s put in a fight, let’s put in a performance and let’s try and put some points on the board.”
Twitter users gave their reaction as Oxford United confirm the appointment of Gary Rowett as replacement for Des Buckingham…
@Deutsch_Gills: Good luck. Decent appointment that and should be able to keep you up.
@Manly13plus: Millwall fan here. Listen football isn’t exactly enjoyable a lot of the time but the results speak for themselves and he’s a top, top bloke. As long as you’re willing to sacrifice some excitement for some points, you’ve got the right man for the job
@Adam79146291922: Good, time to start acting like a Championship side, that includes our media department.
@benthompson2305: A terrible week at the office for several in power at the club BUT…. Welcome Gary! Come ko on Boxing Day you’ll have 10,000 home fans backing you, it’s what we do! #oufc
@MaxOnTheBall: Good appointment to be fair
@BCofBWFC: Great appointment that is.
@MatthewH2992: Welcome to the club Gary… All the best to new Chapter 💛
@KroB91875: Good gaffer would have kept us up last season if brought in a tad earlier 👍
@oxfordtoafrica: I am confident he will do a good job, ad he is I am sure a decent guy. But the whole week leaves nothing but a nasty and bitter taste. A huge repair job by the club is needed, but with suits in charge, do not expect it. Good luck Gary, the support will be a lot more muted, but genuine.
@mlambourne: Welcome Gary, apologies for the absolute SHAMBLES in this announcement!
@ClaireMennie: Yeah it was announced hours ago on Sky sports….. it’s ok us fans that travel home and away don’t mind finding out last- shows what you think of us doesn’t it? 🤬
@BillyCollett23: Well good luck to him. Hope I’m wrong but I’m not massively convinced by him. Would much rather have backed Des in Jan. The club seriously needs to work on the off field issues – merchandise, kits, tickets, away memberships, announcements.. it’s all been pretty dire. #oufc
@redjules1965: Much as it hurt with Des, onwards and upwards welcome Gary 💙💛
@JamieL2711: Good luck Rowett, solid manager 👍🏻
@RaviSinghKRO: Good manager to get in 👌
@gabrielbeech5: At fucking last , welcome Gary 💛
@kadcfcoutlookc1: Don’t know why some are laughing at this, decent championship manager TBF think Oxford will stay up
@block19bastards:
We’ve got super Gary rowett
he knows exactly what we need
Moore at the back
Scarlett in attack
The u’s are going up the fucking league
#oufc
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