It’s been an action packed week for Oxford United, with transfer rumours, a new manager and another heavy defeat.
We’ve got all the latest news from the past seven days right here.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Transfer Rumours, Rowett In and Leeds Loss
U’s Linked With Eredivisie Striker
On Tuesday, Oxford United were linked with a January move for FC Utrecht striker, Ole Romeny, according to Dennie van Laar.
The 24-year-old is under contract until June 2026, with the report claiming the U’s are “prepared to pay a six-figure fee” to sign the former Netherlands U21 forward.
In 13 Eredivisie appearances this season, Romeny has found the net twice.
U’s Target Derby Defender
There was another transfer rumour this week with Football League World revealing the U’s are “keeping tabs” on Derby right-back, Joe Ward.
However, they aren’t the only Championship side showing interest, with fellow promoted outfit Portsmouth also keeping an eye.
The 29-year-old joined the Rams in 2023 following the expiry of his contract at Peterborough and has turned out 33 times.
Rowett Confirmed
On Friday, Oxford finally announced Gary Rowett as the club’s new head coach.
The 50-year-old succeeds Des Buckingham, who was sacked last week, and will hope to maintain the U’s second-tier status.
Rowett brings more than a decade of Championship managerial experience with him after successful spells at Birmingham, Derby, Stoke and Millwall.
Speaking to the club’s official website, chairman Grant Ferguson said: “Following a thorough and diligent recruitment process, I am delighted that Gary Rowett has agreed to join us as Head Coach.
“It was immediately clear from the discussions we had with him that Gary perfectly matched the vision and long-term objectives that we have for the Club.
“Every decision taken is with the best interests of Oxford United in mind and we are confident that Gary will be instrumental in fulfilling our ambitions this season and beyond.
“We look forward to working alongside and supporting Gary to help us achieve our goals.”
Oxford United Chief Executive Officer, Tim Williams, added: “To bring in a coach of Gary’s calibre and experience is a real statement of intent for this Club.
“Gary is someone who will drive our standards every day at our Training Ground and help us in our ambition to become a competitive Championship club.
“His proven track record of delivering consistent success in the Championship makes him the ideal candidate to strengthen the team on the pitch, while we continue to make improvements off it.”
Rowett will be in the stands as the U’s travel to Leeds tomorrow with his first game in the dugout on Boxing Day against Cardiff.
Defeat at Leeds for Oxford United
Oxford’s week ended with another defeat, this time a 4-0 thumping on the road at Leeds.
The hosts took an early lead at Elland Road and outclassed the U’s in the first half. But despite that, and a missed opportunity from Przemyslaw Placheta, they went in just the one goal ahead.
However, after the restart, Leeds showed their class and added a further three goals, despite Jamie Cumming also making several saves in the Oxford goal.
The defeat saw the U’s drop into the relegation spots for the first time this season ahead of Rowett’s first game in charge against Cardiff on Boxing Day.