Oxford United boss reacts to relegation to League One

The U’s beat Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 in their final home game of the season but suffered relegation confirmation before kick-off as Charlton Athletic and West Bromwich Albion both picked up results to secure their Championship status for next season.

Tottenham Hotspur loanee Will Lankshear scored a spectacular brace before Will Vaulks and Myles Peart-Harris netted to see off The Owls at the Kassam.

Will Lankshear celebrates scoring for Oxford United on his final home game (Image: Oxford United)

Wednesday, who after a season of struggle on and off the pitch were relegated back in February, found a goal through 17-year-old Will Grainger to make it 3-1 before Peart-Harris bagged a minute later.

Leicester City were the second club relegated from the second-tier after a draw in midweek against Hull City saw Gary Rowett’s men confirm their place in League One for next season.

“Mostly of extreme disappointment at the outcome of the season,” Bloomfield replied when asked about his emotions after an eventful day.

“That’s my overriding emotion but it’s certainly mixed in amongst a real pride of our football club, the one I feel so fortunate to be employed by. I think it’s an amazing place.

Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield (right) and players applaud the fans (Image: Gary Oakley/PA Wire)

“I think the lads have given it everything; I don’t think we can ever question that. We’re terribly disappointed to have just come up short but they played properly today.

“That’s what we wanted. If the day wasn’t going to work out for us like it didn’t today, I still wanted us to perform properly and we did.

“There was some real good football in there, some good goals and I hope that’s a sign of things to come for us.

Oxford United’s Hidde ter Avest challenges for the ball (Image: Jason Dawson)

“If you look at the way we built the team, when I get time I want to build a team that attacks and play on the front foot and I thought there was a few glimmers of light today about what we might be able to do in the future.”

Oxford United v Sheffield Wednesday – Sky Bet Championship 2025/26 (Image: Jason Dawson)

Now Oxford know in what division they will be participating in next season, Bloomfield can look ahead to the summer with preparations set to begin very soon.

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“Look, I think Monday morning that will definitely start. I’m probably lying, it’ll start this evening.

“I’ll get home and I’ll start jotting notes down and I’ll start thinking about things because honestly, up until this point, my only focus has been putting all my energy into keeping us in the league.

“Now there’s no time to wait. I’ll get in this evening and I’ll start working and I’ll get ready for the summer.