Matt Bloomfield given Oxford United backing before sacking

The former head coach was relieved of his duties last month after suffering relegation from the Championship with the U’s despite an upturn in form.

Oxford replaced Bloomfield three days later with ex-Arsenal and Premier League star Aaron Ramsey, appointing the 35-year-old into his first permanent head coach position.

The former boss issued a statement on Friday morning with the League Managers Association, breaking his silence after his sacking.

The Yellows squad returned to the club this week ahead of pre-season, beginning testing with Ramsey undertaking his first sessions with the players.

Bloomfield joined the club in January and improved the points per game from 0.88 to 1.19.

Clean sheets when from a league low of two up to six, with other statistics such as expected goals also improving.

Former Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield had received positive feedback prior to his sacking (Image: Jason Dawson)

Bloomfield’s sacking drew shock from supporters and EFL spectators, mainly due to the timing of the decision.

It had been almost two months since the end of the 2025/26 season and pre-season was just around the corner.

With changes at board level and United quickly securing the services of their new boss, CEO Tim Williams assured fans that the club has made the right call.

Aaron Ramsey has been appointed the new Oxford United manager (Image: Oxford United)

“Whilst the timing of moving away from the previous head coach may seem a little bit rushed and a bit quick, I would disagree with that,” Williams told the media at Ramsey’s first press conference.

“I think we’ve got to the right point at the right time and made the right decision.”

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However, it is understood that internal feedback towards the former head coach’s management had been positive despite the relegation.

Bloomfield been given backing from leadership figures at the end of the campaign both privately and at post-season events.

Former Oxford United head coach Matt Bloomfield (Image: Jason Dawson)

The 42-year-old had been planning for League One since the end of last season, including recruitment and pre-season and was keen to implement a more defined and effective playing style.

These factors meant that there was shock within the club at the decision; players and staff had been in touch with Bloomfield expressing their surprise with few club members aware of the decision.

In addition, it is understood that the former Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers boss had overseen a series of improvements to the club’s culture and infrastructure, such as the installation of a new pitch at the Kassam Stadium.

Meanwhile, pre-season is now underway in OX4 under new boss Ramsey, with the squad set to travel to Spain on July 12 for a week-long, warm-weather training camp ahead of their pre-season friendlies and the 2026/27 League One season.