The 50-year-old has formally been announced as Des Buckingham’s successor, and had been in advanced negotiations with the club for the majority of the week.

The talks and deal finally got over the line, allowing Rowett to take to the stands for the trip to Leeds United tomorrow afternoon.

READ ALSO: U’s appoint new boss following Des Buckingham sacking

At a press conference unveiling Rowett as the new U’s boss, he told this newspaper: “I’ve been in this position a few times now, and from my perspective, once you essentially agree and want to move forward, you usually get one or two days ironing a few things out behind the scenes.

“Of course that has to be done, but you just want it to be done and dusted so you can get to work, and it’s as simple as that. 

“I’m really excited. I had really good discussions with everyone at the club. I’m really excited to hear not just the aims of this season, but also the plans for the future.

“I’ve always said the same, it’s about being part of an ambitious club regardless of what stage of that journey they’re on. 

“For me to try and help as best I can, certainly on the pitch first and foremost, that we achieve those aims.”

Rowett has extensive experience at Sky Bet Championship level, with managerial roles at Birmingham City, Derby County, Stoke City and Millwall.

He left the latter by mutual consent last October after almost four years, while he had an interim role at Birmingham at the end of last season, winning three and drawing two from eight games as the Blues suffered relegation.

Rowett said: “I’ve been cheating because I’ve had a year of assessing the Championship, which has been brilliant.

“A lot of media work has allowed me to essentially watch a lot of teams and immerse myself daily in a lot of sides, and watching Oxford alongside the competitors in the division.

“I think that stands me in good stead, so I’m pretty well versed in the team’s capabilities. 

“They’re a team that early in the season had that newness about them in the division and I’ve certainly seen some very good performances.

“Then of course sometimes you see the challenges of the Championship and it knocks you back at times.

“I’m looking forward to building on the clear successes of the team over the previous period and trying to bring something a little different to help start looking up the table.

“I think that’s the key for me, not looking at the teams around you and the position that we’re in, but making sure you have a real clear ambition on the pitch to start climbing the table.”