It was a busy weekend for Oxford United with the U’s progressing in the FA Cup before announcing a new signing and new head coach.
Oxford won at MK Dons on Friday night following the arrival of Myles Peart-Harris from Brentford, before Matt Bloomfield was confirmed as the new head coach ahead of the visit of Bristol City next time out.
Read More: Jamie Donley Joins the U’s
Busy Weekend for Oxford United: New Head Coach, New Arrival and FA Cup Progression
Luke Harris
Just before the weekend, Luke Harris was recalled from his loan spell by his parent club, Fulham.
The 20-year-old, who arrived in the summer, scored once in a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough and turned out 17 times in all competitions.
Myles Peart-Harris
On Friday, Oxford announced the signing of forward, Myles Peart-Harris.
The 23-year-old joined the U’s on a deal until the end of the season from Brentford, where he is out of contract in the summer.
The former Chelsea academy graduate has spent time on loan at Forest Green and Portsmouth before Swansea, where he made seven goal involvements in 30 appearances.
He even turned out nine times during his time at Brentford.
Speaking after completing his move, he said: “I can’t wait to get started and make my mark.
“It’s a short-term deal, but this is a great opportunity for me to show my qualities and make a real impact in the Championship.
“I enjoy scoring goals and creating chances, but I also pride myself on working hard for the team. I’ve had a lot of different experiences for my age, from academy football at Chelsea to playing regularly at this level last season, and I feel ready to come in and deliver for this club.
“I’m really looking forward to being involved straight away and competing for my place.”
Matt Bloomfield
Later that day, the club finally announced a successor to Gary Rowett, who had been dismissed two days before Christmas.
Former Wycombe and Luton head coach Matt Bloomfield was confirmed as the new man in charge.
Having spent the majority of his playing career at Wycombe, he began his coaching journey with the club before taking over the role at Colchester as his first position.
He returned to Adams Park as head coach following Gareth Ainsworth’s departure and had the Chairboys playing exciting, front-footed football.
Despite sitting in the promotion places in League One, he left to join struggling Luton in the Championship but was unable to avoid back-to-back relegations for the Hatters despite just two defeats from the first 11 games.
Speaking after his appointment, Bloomfield said: “I’m incredibly proud to be joining Oxford United.
“This felt like the right place at the right time. Oxford United are a club with good foundations, ambition, and a playing group with significant potential, and that matches exactly where I am as a coach.
“I want my teams to work hard, attack with purpose, and play with a clear identity. Everyone has to understand their role, be accountable, and deliver consistently.
“I can’t wait to get out onto the grass and begin working with the players and staff to help this club push forward this season and beyond.”
MK Dons Victory
Friday was rounded off with an FA Cup victory over League Two side, MK Dons.
However, Craig Short’s side fell behind in Buckinghamshire but Will Lankshear’s seventh goal of the season forced the game into extra time.
MK missed their second penalty while Ole Romeny, Mark Harris, Peart-Harris and Matt Phillips all scored for the U’s before Matt Ingram saved the decisive spot-kick.
There was a debut for Jamie Donley, although he was forced off with injury inside 15 minutes, and there was a return to the squad for skipper Cameron Brannagan.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / PA Images
