It’s been a week to forget for Oxford United and their fans as the U’s lost another two games before Des Buckingham was sacked on Sunday.
Yes, that’s right, Des Buckingham lost his job. On the face of it, one win in 15 would be enough to see most managers lose their job but in this case, it felt different, which we’ll get to later.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Buckingham Booted and Further Defeats
Defeat at Loftus Road
Oxford kicked off the week with a damaging defeat at relegation rivals, QPR.
The U’s looked decent in the opening 45 minutes but headed into the break level, with the game feeling like the first goal would determine the winner.
Unfortunately for Buckingham, it came against his side with Sam Field gifted plenty of space in the middle of the box to rifle home.
Shortly after, an error from Peter Kioso on the end of his own box presented an opportunity for a second, which was duly dispatched.
The result means that Oxford have picked up just one point from a possible 15 ahead of a tricky home test against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.
Defeat Against Sheffield Wednesday
Oxford then recorded just one win from 15 as they lost at home against Sheffield Wednesday.
Greg Leigh gave the U’s a deserved lead but Wednesday levelled from a corner soon after.
Despite that, it was a good first half display from Buckingham’s side but the Owls netted shortly after the restart and the hosts were unable to maintain that intensity, before shipping a third goal which killed off the game.
The U’s are two places above the drop zone but are just one point from safety ahead of a tricky trip to Leeds next time out.
Des Departs
On Sunday, news broke that the club had parted ways with head coach, Des Buckingham.
A statement read: “Oxford United can confirm that Des Buckingham has left his role as Men’s First Team Head Coach.
“Des was appointed in November 2023 and led the Club to promotion to the EFL Sky Bet Championship at the end of the 2023/24 season.
“The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Des for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.
“The appointment of a new head coach will be confirmed in due course.”
Of course, results in recent weeks and months have been poor. The U’s have just one win in 15, and that came against bottom club, Hull.
However, the club’s budget, size, resources, players and staff remain that of a League One club, despite a positive summer transfer window.
Many fans are unhappy with the decision in spite of the club’s current status, but Buckingham delivered promotion to the second tier for the first time in 25 years after taking over in difficult and indifferent circumstances from Liam Manning. With that, the majority would have liked to see the head coach to see the season out at a minimum.
