Oxford United have confirmed the shock departure of head coach Matt Bloomfield. The coach took charge of the club with the sizeable task of saving the club from relegation back to League One, and while he certainly improved the team in his short stint, it was ultimately not enough to keep the U’s above the drop zone.
The dismissal is so surprising, as many expected Bloomfield’s initial appointment to have the possibility of a League One campaign in mind, given the young coach’s success with Wycombe Wanderers. And Oxford’s expectations are difficult to pinpoint for the 2026-27 season.
While they are a more modest size than their fellow relegated sides in Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester City, they are undoubtedly the most stable of the three.
Boasting an array of young talent including Jack Currie, Jamie McDonnell, and Stanley Mills, they also have a nice blend of experience with Cameron Brannagan, Will Vaulks, and Ciaron Brown acting as the squad’s core.
Five Managers Oxford United Should Consider:
Promotion back to the Championship is more than a possibility at the Kassam next season. But Bloomfield’s departure will need to be addressed quickly, while they have yet to begin their transfer dealings.
This is perhaps one of the EFL’s most appealing jobs. The Oxfordshire club are quite progressive and boast a strong backbone of a side, and have every potential of mounting a promotion charge next season.
So, this article will explore five options Oxford United could consider for next season.
David Challinor – Unattached
Recently dismissed at Stockport County, David Challinor is more than capable of taking a side into a League One promotion battle. Challinor achieved legendary status for Stockport County.
Joining the club in 2021, he was able to guide the club to titles in the fifth and fourth tiers of English football, while guiding the Hatters to consecutive third-placed finishes in League One.
At their best, County were an organised side, adept at both ends of the pitch and adaptable in their play. Given their slightly smaller stature compared to the other clubs in League One, this could be a fantastic approach for Oxford next season when looking to compete with the likes of Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday.
His recent dismissal has not hurt his reputation at this level, and it is only a matter of time before he gets another job at or around Oxford’s level.
Richie Wellens – Leyton Orient
Last season was a write-off for Richie Wellens. Finishing 20th-placed with Orient, his reputation did not take a hit given his previous achievements with the club.
Guiding the East London outfit to a play-off final in the 2024-25 campaign, Wellens is more than proven at the level and could take well to a bigger challenge. Additionally, he has worked with Jack Currie, and reuniting with the left-back could see another special season for the 24-year-old.
The 46-year-old appears to be a dream for strikers to work with, also. Brisbane Road has played home to the last two golden boot winners in League One, with Dominic Ballard and Charlie Kelman.
Oxford could be a great prospect for the manager to further develop his season, with feelings emerging that he has now taken Orient as far as he can. A new challenge in Oxfordshire could be fantastic for his career.
David Artell – Grimsby Town
A slightly more left-field option, Artell is not as familiar with the third tier as the previous two options, but certainly an exciting prospect. The former-Crewe Alexandra coach is more of a long-term option as opposed to someone who could immediately launch the Us back into the Championship.
He has slowly progressed Grimsby Town further up the League Two table over the last two seasons while implementing some of the most attractive football in the fourth tier.
Multiple players for the Mariners have come on leaps and bounds since the 45-year-old’s arrival, including Kieran Green, Harvey Rodgers, and George McEachran. He is an excellent man manager, and could be a treat for the young core at Oxford.
The Us have often been regarded for their possession-heavy play style over the years in League One – and Artell could be the man to implement that, although there is nothing to suggest he would take Oxford straight into a promotion battle given his more developmental-led approach.
Alex Revell – Stevenage
Perhaps the complete parallel to David Artell’s style of play, Revell has turned Stevenage into one of the division’s most defensively stern sides as they achieved an impressive play-off finish last time out.
Given Oxford’s stature in comparison to their prospective promotion rivals, a more defensively strict approach could work well. Meanwhile, the increased budget could be attractive to the young manager.
He has persistently got the best out of his players. With Carl Piergianni aging like fine wine, Jamie Reid has always been a reliable figure since joining the club. Revell will be highly sought-after in and above Oxford’s level, and it is no surprise given Boro’s excellent defensive record last season – conceding only 46 goals, the second in the division.
Familiarity with a League One promotion battle is also valuable, while the coach could be tempted to pursue the project given the location and the excellent resources available at the Kassam.
Rubén Sellés – Unattached
It has been a difficult year for Rubén Sellés, but he is certainly an exciting manager at League One level.
Familiar with the area from his time at Reading, taking charge at Oxford could be a great opportunity for his career. He was excellent at managing the Royals through troubling off-field issues, while keeping Hull City above the drop zone.
Sellés’ approach incorporates a dynamic, high-pressing system that could benefit some of the younger talents on the Us’ roster. His attacking approach incorporates aggressive transitions after regaining possession, which could flourish with the right personnel.
His time at Sheffield United was less than ideal, but he has shown his value as a coach in the third tier. Familiar with the challenge, perhaps stable surroundings could see the 43-year-old launch a firm promotion charge for Oxford United next season.
