Sacked Oxford United boss Des Buckingham has said he “would have loved the opportunity” to continue and try to keep the U’s in the Championship this season.

Reacting to his dismissal by the club on Sunday, Buckingham on Monday posted a message on his X account.

“Managing my boyhood club was always a dream of mine and as such I want to thank the board for giving me an opportunity that was so close to my heart,” he said.

“Last season’s promotion created memories that myself, my family and no doubt the fans will never forget.

“I was brought into the club to try to get it into the Championship and hopefully I’ve left it in a better place than when I arrived.

“I would have loved the opportunity to achieve this season’s objective of staying up but I respect the club’s decision to part ways and go in a different direction.

“I would like to thank the players and staff for their dedication and commitment during my time, they’re both a credit to themselves and this football club.

“I’m immensely proud of what we were able to achieve in such a short period of time.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the fans for their support of both myself and the players, which was vital in getting us into the Championship for the first time in 25 years.

“I’ll always be one of you. Yellows!”