Championship side Oxford United made the shock decision to sack Des Buckingham on Sunday afternoon.

Outsiders may not see the decision as too much of a surprise, considering the U’s have struggled under Buckingham lately, winning just one league game since mid-September.

Many people had expected Oxford to struggle this term, considering they haven’t competed at this level for a number of years.

Their summer transfer window may have been a productive one, but on paper, it’s fair to say that their squad isn’t the strongest.

Tyler Goodrham looks like he belongs at this level and there are a few others who could probably cut it in the second tier, including Cameron Brannagan, but the U’s were never expected to have the most successful campaign, and that’s why many Oxford fans are angry with the sacking decision.

Just months ago, former Oxford youth player Buckingham had guided the club back to the second tier of English football following a tactical masterclass in a 2-0 Wembley win against Bolton Wanderers.

But after a 3-1 home defeat against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon, the decision was taken to relieve the 39-year-old of his duties at the Kassam Stadium.

Tony Mowbray’s stance revealed on return to management

Tony Mowbray is one manager Oxford may consider in their hunt for Buckingham’s successor.

He had to step down from his role at Birmingham City fairly shortly after he was appointed at St. Andrew’s, having been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Inevitably, he has had to take some time away from the game to undergo treatment, but he’s getting back to full health now and recently went on a sunshine holiday after a difficult time for him and his family.

According to Alan Nixon, he is now looking to get back into management, having watched several games during his absence, and is open to a full-time offer.

Oxford United should consider Tony Mowbray as a managerial candidate – even if he turns them down

Oxford need an upgrade on Buckingham if fans are to accept his dismissal – and there are a few potential candidates who could end up being decent appointments.

Though they will want their appointment to make an impact in the short term, they will also be keen to see them enjoy long-lasting success.

They may also be keen to appoint someone who has managed in both the English second and third tiers before.

With this potential criterion in mind, Mowbray could end up being an excellent fit at the Kassam Stadium.

He has left plenty of teams in a better position, including Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, and he could also be a success at Oxford with his attractive style of play.

They have some of the ingredients needed to be successful, even if their squad isn’t one of the stronger ones in the league.

Jamie Cumming is a capable keeper at this level, the energy of Greg Leigh and Peter Kioso can be an asset, Elliott Moore and Ciaron Brown have shown that they can defend well at this level and they also have some talented midfielders in their team, including Brannagan and Idris El Mizouni.

The two players who could potentially benefit the most from Mowbray’s arrival are Goodrham and Dane Scarlett, two promising young players.

Mowbray has a great track record of developing young players – and he could work his magic at the Kassam Stadium.

It could also be argued that Oxford’s situation isn’t unsalvageable.

They are still out of the relegation zone at this stage, and considering there are some poor teams at the bottom of the division, Mowbray could relish the challenge of trying to secure survival with the U’s.

He could end up being an excellent fit – and his potential appointment could end up appeasing supporters who are still upset about Buckingham’s exit.