Former Luton boss Matt Bloomfield appointed new boss of Oxford United

Matt Bloomfield has been appointed the new Head Coach of Championship side Oxford United, in his first job since leaving Luton Town.

The 41-year-old has signed a contract of undisclosed length at the Kassam Stadium as a successor to Gary Rowett, who left the U’s just before Christmas after a run of one win in his last 10 matches in charge.

Bloomfield is back in management after leaving Luton in October, with the former Wycombe boss leaving Luton after nine months in charge.

He had moved from Wycombe to Luton in January, but left the Hatters after a slow start to the current season, with Bloomfield leaving with the Hatters 11th in the table and on a run of 3 defeats in 5 games. His tenure also saw Luton relegated from the Championship on goal difference on the final day of last season.

Before his work at Luton, Bloomfield had been with Wycombe, who he represented over 550 times as a player. When he left Adams Park for Kenilworth Road, he had got Wycombe to second in the table in a run where he had won 52 out of 108 games in charge.

Oxford have confirmed that Bloomfield will watch tonight’s FA Cup tie against MK Dons from the stands, with interim boss Craig Short taking charge. Bloomfield will then assume charge afterwards, with his first game being Oxford’s match against Bristol City next weekend.

Bloomfield told the official Oxford United site that he was pleased to take the job.

He said, “I’m incredibly proud to be joining Oxford United. 

“This felt like the right place at the right time. Oxford United are a Club with good foundations, ambition, and a playing group with significant potential, and that matches exactly where I am as a coach.

“I want my teams to work hard, attack with purpose, and play with a clear identity. Everyone has to understand their role, be accountable, and deliver consistently.

“I can’t wait to get out onto the grass and begin working with the players and staff to help this Club push forward this season and beyond.”