Oxford United boss eyes rollercoaster relegation results

The U’s have lost their last two games 1-0 against Derby County and Wrexham, respectively, leaving them 22nd in the league and six points from safety.

Results elsewhere mean that Oxford now have to rely on Charlton Athletic, who are one place above them, to lose both their remaining fixtures whilst Bloomfield’s men must win their pair of matches.

“Let’s not be stupid,” the Yellows boss declared.

“I knew what was going on elsewhere. It’s something natural. You have WhatsApps coming through on your phone.”

Stan Mills hits the deck after Oxford United lose to Wrexham (Image: Jason Dawson)

On Wednesday night in the Championship, Charlton were defeated by Ipswich Town whilst Blackburn Rovers beat Sheffield United.

Rovers’ win meant that The U’s could have been sent down that evening, but Charlton’s failure to rescue anything from their game meant that Oxford still have a glimmer of hope.

“I was watching Middlesbrough-Sheffield Wednesday because I have to focus on the game Saturday afternoon,” Bloomfield confessed.

(Image: Oxford United)

“As a football club, we know we’re relying on what happens elsewhere, but we have to be in control of our actions. Our actions have to be focusing on winning the game on Saturday afternoon.

“We’re still alive, so we have to win the game on Saturday. That’s what it comes down to.

“You have to win and you have to hope that things go through elsewhere. That’s the position we’re in right now.

Oxford United captain Cameron Brannagan stretches for the ball against Wrexham (Image: Jason Dawson)

“The fact we’re still in it with two games to go, we want to take it to the last game.

“Because the players, the supporters, deserve the opportunity to still be in the Championship next season.

“We’ve been, in my opinion, very close in the last two games. In two games, there’s not been a huge amount between either team. In both games, we’ve had opportunities ourselves.

“Our opponents have taken two, one in each game. We haven’t.

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Mark Harris shoots for Oxford United (Image: Jason Dawson)

“Whatever the scenario, we have to finish on a good note, in my opinion. We have to make sure that we attack the game.

“Whatever is going on elsewhere, we have to make sure that we play properly.”

United face a Wednesday team on Saturday who, despite their season-long struggles, have taken points off Charlton, Leicester City, and Coventry City in their last four matches.

Oxford United huddle before defeat against Wrexham (Image: Jason Dawson)

“They’re a good team. I think you’ve seen just a gradual improvement over the whole season.

“There’s now a cohesion about them. There’s an understanding. They know exactly how they want to play.

“We’re going to have a stern test on Saturday afternoon.

“We have to make sure we’re ready because it’s far from a guarantee.”