Oxford United coach move helped by Matt Bloomfield sacking

Bloomfield was dismissed by the U’s on Saturday almost two months after failing to keep the club in the Championship.

The club parted ways with the 42-year-old after just 162 days in charge, Bloomfield joining the club in January, taking over from Gary Rowett.

The timing of the decision has brought up questions amongst supporters, with the United squad is set to report back in OX4 for pre-season before the end of the month.

Earlier this month, Yellows assistant Mike Dodds was rumoured to be heading to Blackburn Rovers to reunite with former colleague and new Rovers boss Tony Mowbray.

Matt Bloomfield and Mike Dodds celebrate Oxford United win (Image: Jason Dawson)

The two worked together at Sunderland during Mowbray’s 16-month long spell in charge of the Black Cats.

According to reporter Alan Nixon, Dodd’s potential move to Blackburn has been aided by the surprise sacking of Bloomfield.

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When asked on X of the impact of the Yellows head coach’s on the progress of Dodds’ transfer, he replied: “It helps.”

Dodds joined Oxford alongside Bloomfield in January.

The 40-year-old was previously in charge of Wycombe Wanderers seven months in his head coach role to date as he was sacked in September 2025.

He was previously a coach at Sunderland for four years and Birmingham City before that where he was credited as having a positive impact on the development of Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham.