Oxford United fans react to shock Matt Bloomfield sacking

The U’s parted ways with Bloomfield on Saturday ahead of the 2026/27 League One campaign after the 42-year-old failed to keep the club in the Championship last season.

The Englishman replaced Gary Rowett as head coach in January but, despite an upturn in results, could only manage a 22nd-placed finish in the second tier as the club were relegated.

Bloomfield’s dismissal is the third in under two years in OX4 after Des Buckingham’s sacking in December 2024 and Rowett’s in December 2025.

The timing of Bloomfield’s departure comes almost two months after the U’s last game of the season, with the players set to return for pre-season at the end of June.

Initial thoughts on Bloomfield’s departure-

Don’t know the full story, but feels like the reset button has been pushed, perhaps, given the recent board changes and now this.

New chairman, new manager and new league – a strong identity needs to be established. #oufc

— malachi (@MalachiObrey) June 20, 2026

Yellows fans have reacted with frustration and surprise at the dismissal.

In response to the club’s announcement on X, @benthompson2305 said: “Genuinely gutted and what terrible timing. We saw last season the impact of a disjointed pre-season, which we just can’t let happen again. Best of luck in the future Matt!”

Genuinely gutted and what terrible timing. We saw last season the impact of a disjointed pre-season, which we just can’t let happen again.

Best of luck in the future Matt! #oufc

— Ben Thompson (@benthompson2305) June 20, 2026

Matt Bloomfield shakes hands with Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert (Image: Jason Dawson)

Another supporter, @heyit5sam2 replied sarcastically: “Stupendous timing as always. Players back Thursday, first pre season game in a month’s time. In a season where we all know what the objective is. 5 managers in 3 years don’t look good.”

Many fans thought that, with pre-season just around the corner, Bloomfield would be given the opportunity to bounce back next season.

READ MORE: Oxford United sack Matt Bloomfield ahead of League One season

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The last time the former Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town boss managed in League One was in 2025 with the Chairboys in which he had them competing for automatic promotion.

Oxford United head coach Matt Bloomfield (left) and head of football operations Ed Waldron (right) (Image: Jason Dawson)

On X, @TomMRussell91 said: “This is mad, thought at least giving him a chance in League One.”

@andrew17taylor responded: “Absolutely farcical.”

Another supporter, @SueDavi59989906 said: “I thought MB had done a much better job with OUFC than Gary Rowett he had kept a more consistent team I hope this decision will not come back to haunt us next season!”

I thought MB had done a much better job with OUFC than Gary Rowett he had kept a more consistent team I hope this decision will not come back to haunt us next season !

— Sue Davies (@SueDavi59989906) June 20, 2026

On Facebook, one fan stated angrily: “On the face of it, absolutely stupid decision.

“How to mess up another pre-season and put us on the back foot for next term.

“If they were going to do it, should have been the day after the Millwall game.”

On the contrary, @VegasOx on X said: “Thank goodness, no way good enough, is [former Stockport County manager] Dave Challinor still available?”

@NeilSmythe added: “Let’s hope there’s a cunning plan behind this…”

Oxford have stated that the process of appointing a new head coach will begin immediately.