After parting methods with Des Buckingham following defeat in opposition to Sheffield Wednesday, Oxford United are reportedly in superior talks to nominate an skilled alternative.
Oxford sack Buckingham
Maybe summing up the ruthless world of soccer administration, Oxford got here to the choice to point out Buckingham the door on Sunday afternoon after his aspect suffered a 3-1 defeat in opposition to Sheffield Wednesday to depart them sitting simply one point clear of the dropzone within the Championship. The choice comes virtually six months after the supervisor took Oxford up by the playoffs in what was a formidable achievement.
Addressing the followers after parting methods with a membership hero, Oxford chairman Grant Ferguson mentioned by way of the official web site: “Des was not solely an integral a part of the most effective days within the Membership’s historical past, he additionally holds deep ties to Oxford United and the town. We didn’t rent Des on account of his Oxford connections, however absolutely perceive how us parting methods impacts you as supporters.
“I need to begin by expressing my due to Des for all the pieces he did for us. Des performed an necessary function within the Membership’s success as we reached the Championship for the primary time in 25 years – an achievement which is able to dwell lengthy within the reminiscence, particularly for the unforgettable day at Wembley. In simply over a yr as Head Coach, he took us a step nearer to realising our total ambition as a Soccer Membership.”
Now, nonetheless, the seek for a alternative is on and one possibility has already reportedly emerged in pole place.
Gary Rowett now in pole place to switch Buckingham
In accordance with The Telegraph’s John Percy, Oxford are now in advanced talks to appoint Gary Rowett, who’s in pole place to switch Buckingham. The skilled Championship supervisor has been out of a job since taking caretaker cost of Birmingham Metropolis on the finish of final season.
Described as an “skilled chief” by Birmingham co-owner Tom Wagner final season, Rowett represents an skilled possibility and one who has taken golf equipment past relegation scraps. It should be mentioned although, he faces a tricky process at Oxford.
Whoever it’s that replaces Buckingham, with Rowett the likeliest at this stage, should get off to a stable begin amid the chance of compiling the distress of some followers who might consider that Buckingham’s dismissal was harsh given his achievements on the membership.
It does not get any simpler for the Championship struggles on the pitch, in the meantime. Up subsequent, they sq. off in opposition to Leeds United hoping to drag off the final word upset with or and not using a new supervisor on the helm.
