What Gary Rowett said about his Oxford United axing

What Gary Rowett said about his Oxford United axing

Former Oxford United head coach Gary Rowett has broken his silence following his dismissal from the club just two days before Christmas.

Rowett was relieved of his duties after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic left the U’s in the Championship relegation zone. Matt Bloomfield was subsequently appointed as his replacement last Friday.

Speaking for the first time since leaving the Kassam Stadium, the 51-year-old insisted he believed he was capable of keeping Oxford in the second tier had he remained in charge.

“Did I think I could keep Oxford up? Of course,” Rowett said. “We were more or less on track, maybe just slightly below where we needed to be, so an upturn was required.”

When asked whether the timing of his sacking came as a shock, the former Millwall and Birmingham City manager admitted there was some surprise, but also acceptance.

“A little bit, yeah,” he said. “But when you’ve been doing this job for 14 years, you understand that if results don’t come, clubs fighting to stay in the Championship will eventually feel they have to make a change. Oxford are no different.

“That’s why I was brought in in the first place – to try and steady things. But at some stage, clubs feel they have to roll the dice, and results usually dictate that.”

Despite the decision being made so close to the festive period, Rowett revealed his departure was handled amicably and without resentment.

“It was pretty amicable,” he explained. “I had a really good relationship with everyone at the club, including the hierarchy.

I remember speaking with Ed [Waldron] that morning – I went into his office, gave him a big hug, and I was fine with it.

“I could sense it might be coming. People have jobs to do and tough decisions to make. From my side, there are no hard feelings at all.

I genuinely hope Oxford turn things around. It’s a really nice club with huge potential, especially with the location and the new stadium.”

Oxford have since turned to Bloomfield, a younger and less experienced option, who is set to take charge of his first match this weekend against Bristol City.

Reflecting on the appointment, Rowett suggested the club may have been seeking a different approach.

“With the remainder of the season, you’d usually look for experience,” he said. “But clubs often go in a different direction after a change.

They might want someone younger, with fresh ideas and a different way of thinking, but who can still work with a similar group of players.”