How Matt Bloomfield really feels about Oxford United sack | OneFootball

Matt Bloomfield has issued as a statement reflecting on his exit from the Kassam Stadium.

Despite suffering relegation from the Championship, many Oxford United supporters thought that Matt Bloomfield would have stayed in his post.

But in a shock turn of events, it proved not to be the case, with the former Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers boss dismissed from the Kassam Stadium mid-way through June.

A brief statement on Oxford club website read: “Oxford United can confirm the departure of Matt Bloomfield as Men’s First Team Head Coach.

“Matt was appointed in January 2026 and oversaw the second half of the 2025/26 season, a campaign which ultimately ended in relegation to League One. Throughout his tenure, he represented Oxford United with professionalism and integrity.

“We would like to thank Matt for his efforts and wish him every success in the future.”

Since then, the U’s have appointed former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsay into the hotseat, a surprising and bold choice considering the 35-year-old’s only other managerial role was in caretaker capacity at Cardiff City last year.

It’s certainly a risk to take, particularly when Oxford have their sights set on an immediate return to the second tier after getting the taste of Championship life over the last two seasons.

Now more than two weeks on from his sacking, Bloomfield has released a statement via the League Managers Association, reflecting on his time at Oxford and how he feels about his departure from the Kassam Stadium.

Matt Bloomfield left ‘disappointed’ by Oxford United sack decision

Releasing a statement on the LMA’s website, former Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield revealed he was ‘naturally disappointed’ by the decision from the U’s board to relieve him of his duties, while he believes he could have kept the club in the Championship if he was appointed earlier.

Bloomfield said: "It has been a privilege to be Head Coach at Oxford United, and I want to thank the fans for their support and commitment throughout my time at this fantastic club.

"From the families who waited by my car to chat, the gifts I received at the end of the season and the young supporters who waited for photos after games, I've been moved by the warmth and kindness you have shown in welcoming me and my family to Oxford.

"The way you received the players after our final home game against Sheffield Wednesday was special and is something I will always reflect fondly on.

"Despite being unable to make up the points deficit we inherited, I’m proud of the players, coaching staff and tireless work we put in to turn the season around – the players gave everything, and I believe that if we had longer together, the outcome would have been different. Naturally, I'm disappointed not to be taking things forward. I was excited to continue this work and implement our clear vision to evolve the playing style and move the club forward.

"I also want to thank the Owner, Board and Ed Waldron for the opportunity to work at such a great club, and I wish everybody connected with Oxford United the very best for the future and I hope our paths cross again.

"I want to end by paying tribute to Amelia Aplin and her family. How this club and community came together at an incredibly difficult time will always stay with me and Amelia's memory will live on in our hearts forever."

Oxford United taking almighty gamble with Matt Bloomfield, Aaron Ramsey swap

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It’s understandable Matt Bloomfield feels immense disappointment that he wasn’t given the opportunity to build on the excellent foundations he’d implemented at Oxford United.

Taking 25 points from his 22 matches in charge of the U’s, Bloomfield’s men took 1.14 points per game, as per TransferMarkt, and were only pipped to safety by some incredible late-season form by the likes of West Brom and Blackburn Rovers.

On top of his experience managing in League One, it made the most sense to keep the 42-year-old in his post and help deliver an immediate promotion push, but the U’s have gone in a completely different direction and taken on a novice in the managerial game.

With Ramsey in charge, there’s massive pressure on the Welshman’s shoulders to deliver straight away, and he will be up against it given the majority of the Oxford fanbase appear perplexed at the club’s decision to make the change in the dugout.

Oxford will be expected to be in the League One promotion mix next season, but their chances of getting back to the Championship may be slightly slimmer because of Bloomfield’s exit.