Matt Bloomfield talks Oxford United debut and transfer plans

Matt Bloomfield has made it clear he is “here to win” as he gears up for his first match as Oxford United head coach against Bristol City on Saturday.

The U’s confirmed Bloomfield’s appointment last week, and the 41-year-old faced the media for the first time on Thursday, January 15, ahead of his debut in the Kassam Stadium dugout. He succeeds Gary Rowett and arrives in Oxford after most recently managing Luton Town.

When asked whether he believes he can keep Oxford in the Championship, Bloomfield left no room for doubt.

“Yes,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I’d still be back in the safety of Suffolk.

“I’m here to win, I’m here to make sure we stay up, and I’m here to help build something for the long term. We can absolutely remain in this division.

“There’s a lot of work to do, I know that. I’m not coming in with rose-tinted glasses, but we’ll put that work in, we’ll get ourselves safe, and I’m really excited about the challenge.”

Bloomfield also admitted he is relishing the prospect of leading the team out at home, this time as Oxford’s head coach rather than an opposition figure.

“I can’t wait to be at the Kassam in the home dugout and to meet our supporters as one of them, not as an opponent like so many times before,” he added. “It’s going to be special, and we’re going to really go after these two home games.”

Despite arriving midway through the January transfer window, Bloomfield has wasted no time getting involved in recruitment discussions at OX4.

“I’ve probably spoken to Ed Waldron more this week than I have to my wife and kids,” he joked, referring to the club’s head of football operations.

“I want to put my personality and style onto the squad. Whether you’re pushing for promotion or battling relegation, January is a vital window to bring a bit of freshness into the group.

“Midfield is an area that might need some support, and that’s something we’re actively working on. There have been links with various players and a lot is happening behind the scenes.

“It’s been great to come in and see that the club already had plans and target lists in place. We’ve had plenty of meetings and phone calls, and I think we’ll see one or two new faces joining us in the near future.”

Oxford United currently sit 23rd in the Championship table and will take on a Bristol City side who head into the weekend in a comfortable 10th position.