News of Buckingham’s sacking was met with plenty of criticism from U’s fans.

Many felt sorry for the 39-year-old who had local links to the area and got the club promoted to the second tier of English football for the first time in a quarter of a century after winning the League One play-off final at Wembley.

“I’m really respectful of the fact that Des was a really popular guy,” Rowett told.

“Him being local also means a lot more to the fans and I respect the role he played in getting the club to where they are now.

“But my whole focus now is to move Oxford United forward.

“I’ll do that with everything I can, I’ll put a lot of effort into that. I’m a passionate manager and I love the game.

“I’ve got to try to move the team forward, I’ll try to do it by hopefully winning games, by trying to create performances that excite the fans and make them buy into what the team do.”

Oxford travel to Leeds United on Saturday [15:00 GMT] where it’s been confirmed that Rowett will watch on from the stands before taking charge fully for the visit of Cardiff City on Boxing Day.