Oxford United appoint former Birmingham City boss as new head coach ahead of Leeds United trip
Ahead of their match against Leeds United this weekend, Oxford United has officially announced Gary Rowett as their new head coach.
Des Buckingham, who was fired after their home loss to Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday, is replaced by Rowett.
Having had managerial positions at Burton Albion, Birmingham City, Derby County, Stoke City, and Millwall, Rowett has over ten years of Championship experience. “After a rigorous and careful recruitment process, I am delighted that Gary Rowett has agreed to join us as Head Coach,” U’s chairman Grant Ferguson wrote on the team’s website.
“It was evident right away from our conversations with him that Gary was a wonderful fit for our long-term goals and vision for the Club.
Every choice is made with Oxford United’s best interests in mind, and we have no doubt that Gary will play a key role in helping us achieve our goals both this season and in the future.
Rowett will be in the stands for Oxford’s trip to Elland Road. His first match in charge will be against Cardiff City on Boxing Day.
“To bring in a coach of Gary’s calibre and experience is a real statement of intent for this Club,” stated Tim Williams, the chief executive officer of Oxford.
Gary will assist us achieve our goal of becoming a competitive Championship club and will push our standards daily at our Training Ground.
“He is the best person to bolster the team on the field while we continue to improve off it because of his demonstrated ability to deliver consistent success in the Championship.”
Two spots and one point separate the U’s from the Championship relegation zone. They haven’t won away from home this season and have lost their last six games.
