Wikipedia

List of Oxford United F.C. managers

The following is a list of Oxford United Football Club managers from 1949, when the club turned professional, to the present day. During this time the club has had 25 full-time managers, of whom three (Jim Smith, Denis Smith and Darren Patterson) have had more than one spell in the post, and eleven periods of caretaker-management. The first manager appointed was Harry Thompson in July 1949.[1] Thompson was in charge for nine years, during which he led the team to the Southern League title in 1953, as well as the Southern League Cup in 1953 and 1954. He was dismissed in November 1958 and replaced by Arthur Turner. Turner, the longest-serving manager in the club's history with more than a decade in charge, led United to back-to-back Southern League titles, of which the second, in 1962, resulted in their election to the Football League.[2] Promotion followed from the Fourth Division in 1965, and the club were crowned Third Division champions three years later.[1] Turner left the club nine months after this success. Over the next 13 years, five managers took charge: Ron Saunders, Gerry Summers, Mick Brown, Bill Asprey and Ian Greaves. During Brown's four-year run, United were relegated back to the Third Division after eight years in the Second.[3]

Former head coach Des Buckingham took Oxford United to the EFL Championship via the play-offs in May 2024.

Jim Smith started his first spell as manager in 1982, and led Oxford into the top tier of English football after consecutive promotions as champions in 1984 and 1985. However, he moved to Queens Park Rangers before the 1985–86 season, so never managed Oxford in the First Division.[4] New manager, former chief scout Maurice Evans, had immediate success winning the 1986 League Cup, beating his predecessor's new club in the final.[5] For the next 24 years, the only manager to guide the club to promotion or silverware was Denis Smith, who won promotion from the Second Division in 1996. Ramón Díaz, the club's first non-British manager, took charge for five months between December 2004 and May 2005. Jim Smith returned as manager at the end of the 2005–06 season, shortly before Oxford United were relegated to the Football Conference after 44 years in the Football League.

Having missed out on promotion in the 2006–07 season, Smith resigned and manager Darren Patterson was hired in November 2007.[6] Patterson was sacked over a year later and was replaced by Chris Wilder,[7] who won promotion back to the Football League by winning the 2010 Conference play-off final.[8]

Wilder resigned in January 2014 and was announced as the new manager of Northampton Town the following day.[9] He was replaced by Gary Waddock,[10] who lasted four months, before himself being replaced by Michael Appleton.[11] Appleton, having gained promotion to League One and led the club to two Wembley finals in the Football League Trophy, left the club after three seasons in charge to join Leicester City as their assistant manager.[12] He was replaced by Pep Clotet, former assistant manager at Leeds United, in July 2017.[13] Clotet was sacked on 22 January 2018,[14] with a record of 12 wins from 36 matches in charge.[15] After two months under the caretaker management of Derek Fazackerley, Karl Robinson was appointed by new owner Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth on 22 March[16] with United 15th in League One and only six points above the relegation zone.[17]

Robinson was sacked in February 2023 after a run of poor results left the club just five points above the relegation zone.[18] Coaches Craig Short, Leon Blackmore-Such and Wayne Brown were put in temporary charge and oversaw two matches before Liam Manning was appointed on 11 March 2023.[19] Manning left United on 7 November 2023 after just eight months and 29 games to join Bristol City.[20]

First team coach Craig Short once again took temporary charge of the side while the search for Manning's successor took place. Short oversaw just one league game, a 3-2 victory at Leyton Orient[21] and then on 16 November 2023 the club announced that former youth team goalkeeper Des Buckingham had been appointed as Head Coach.[22]

As an Oxford United supporter himself, who grew up in the city, Buckingham's appointment was hugely popular among supporters.[23] Buckingham's style and approach took a while to bed in, culminating in a 5-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers live on Sky Sports. He later cited this match as a turning point, after which he felt justified in making more significant changes to the side.[24] Results significantly improved and the team secured a place in the play-offs on the final day of the season. A 2-1 aggregate victory over Peterborough United set up a final at Wembley against Bolton Wanderers. Buckingham's side claimed a 2-0 victory on 18 May 2024, returning to the EFL Championship for the first time a quarter of a century.[25]

After a positive start to life in the second tier, results stagnated, and on 15 December 2024, Buckingham was sacked.[26] His side had never been in the relegation zone during his tenure, and supporters expressed their shock, sadness and anger at his dismissal.[27]

On 20 December 2024, the club announced it had appointed Gary Rowett as Buckingham's replacement.[28]

Managers

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Manager dates and statistics are sourced from Howland, Complete Record up to and including Lawrenson,[29] and from Soccerbase thereafter.[30] Results in competitions not recorded by Soccerbase are sourced from The English Football Archive.[31] Only professional, competitive matches are counted. Statistics are complete up to and including 17 September 2024.

Key

P: Matches played W: Matches won D: Matches drawn L: Matches lost

Table of managers, including nationality, tenure, record and honours
Name Nationality From To P W D L Win % Honours Ref
Harry Thompson English 1 July 1949 6 November 1958 466 210 87 169 045.1 Southern League champions: 1952–53
Southern League runners-up: 1953–54
Southern League Cup winners: 1952–53, 1953–54 		[1][32]
Committee of board members 6 November 1958 1 January 1959 11 6 0 5 054.5 [33]
Arthur Turner English 1 January 1959 28 February 1969 504 218 119 167 043.3 Southern League runners-up: 1959–60
Southern League champions: 1960–61, 1961–62
Fourth Division promotion: 1964–65
Third Division champions: 1967–68 		[1][34]
Ron Saunders English 1 March 1969 30 June 1969 12 6 3 3 050.0 [35]
Gerry Summers English 1 July 1969 1 October 1975 293 93 89 111 031.7 [36]
Mick Brown English 1 October 1975 22 July 1979 187 53 61 73 028.3 [37]
Bill Asprey English 22 July 1979 26 December 1980 82 23 20 39 028.0 [38]
Ian Greaves English 26 December 1980 30 January 1982 50 23 16 11 046.0 [39]
Roy Barry (caretaker) Scottish 3 February 1982 28 February 1982 6 2 3 1 033.3 [40][41]
Jim Smith English 1 March 1982 11 June 1985 167 89 42 36 053.3 Third Division champions: 1983–84
Second Division champions: 1984–85 		[42][43]
Maurice Evans English 11 June 1985 26 March 1988 140 41 41 58 029.3 League Cup winners: 1986 [5][44]
Mark Lawrenson Irish 26 March 1988 25 October 1988 23 4 8 11 017.4 [45]
Brian Horton English 25 October 1988 27 August 1993 251 79 65 107 031.5 [46][47][48]
Maurice Evans (caretaker) English 27 August 1993 10 September 1993 3 0 0 3 000.0 [49][50]
Denis Smith English 10 September 1993 24 December 1997 247 99 60 88 040.1 Second Division runners-up: 1995–96 [51][52]
Malcolm Crosby (caretaker) English 24 December 1997 24 January 1998 5 0 1 4 000.0 [53][54]
Malcolm Shotton English 24 January 1998 25 October 1999 88 26 22 40 029.5 [55]
Mickey Lewis (caretaker) English 25 October 1999 2 February 2000 22 6 8 8 027.3 [56][57]
Denis Smith English 3 February 2000 2 October 2000 30 8 3 19 026.7 [58]
Mike Ford (caretaker) English 3 October 2000 31 October 2000 6 0 1 5 000.0 [59]
David Kemp English 31 October 2000 30 April 2001 31 7 3 21 022.6 [60]
Mike Ford (caretaker) English 1 May 2001 8 May 2001 1 0 0 1 000.0 [59]
Mark Wright English 8 May 2001 22 November 2001 22 4 7 11 018.2 [61]
Ian Atkins English 23 November 2001 21 March 2004 122 47 35 40 038.5 [62]
Graham Rix English 22 March 2004 14 November 2004 29 6 8 15 020.7 [63]
Darren Patterson (caretaker) Northern Irish 14 November 2004 9 December 2004 3 1 0 2 033.3 [64]
Ramón Díaz Argentine 9 December 2004 4 May 2005 25 10 7 8 040.0 [65]
David Oldfield (caretaker) English 7 May 2005 7 May 2006 1 0 0 1 000.0 [66]
Brian Talbot English 6 May 2005 14 March 2006 44 10 16 18 022.7 [67]
Darren Patterson Northern Irish 14 March 2006 22 March 2006 3 1 2 0 033.3 [64]
Jim Smith English 22 March 2006 9 November 2007 82 34 26 22 041.5 [42]
Darren Patterson Northern Irish 9 November 2007 30 November 2008 59 24 11 24 040.7 [64]
Jim Smith (caretaker) English 30 November 2008 21 December 2008 4 2 2 0 050.0 [42]
Chris Wilder English 21 December 2008 26 January 2014 269 121 70 78 045.0 Conference Premier play-off winners: 2009–10 [68]
Mickey Lewis (caretaker) English 26 January 2014 22 March 2014 12 3 5 4 025.0 [69]
Gary Waddock Irish 22 March 2014 4 July 2014 8 1 0 7 012.5 [70]
Michael Appleton English 4 July 2014 20 June 2017 173 78 46 49 045.1 League Two runners-up: 2015–16
Football League Trophy runners-up: 2015–16, 2016–17 		[71]
Pep Clotet Spanish 1 July 2017 22 January 2018 36 12 10 14 033.3 [72]
Derek Fazackerley (caretaker) English 22 January 2018 22 March 2018 8 2 1 5 025.0 [73]
Karl Robinson English 22 March 2018 26 February 2023 274 110 70 94 040.1 2020 EFL League One play-off runners-up [74]
Craig Short (caretaker) English 26 February 2023 1 March 2023 2 0 0 2 000.0 [75]
Liam Manning English 12 March 2023 7 November 2023 29 14 7 8 048.3 [76]
Craig Short (caretaker) English 7 November 2023 16 November 2023 2 2 0 0 100.0 [75]
Des Buckingham English 16 November 2023 15 December 2024 59 20 16 23 033.9 2024 EFL League One play-off winners [77]
Craig Short (caretaker) English 20 December 2024 21 December 2024 0 0 0 0 !— [75]
Gary Rowett English 22 December 2024 - 0 0 0 0 !— [78]

References

edit

General

  • Howland, Andy and Roger (1989). Oxford United: A Complete Record (1893–1989). Derby: Breedon Books. ISBN 0-907969-52-6.
  • Brodetsky, Martin (2009). Oxford United: The Complete Record. Derby: Breedon Books. ISBN 978-1-85983-715-3.
  • "Manager history". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  • "Archive contents". The English Football Archive. Archived from the original on 18 January 2008.

Specific

  1. ^ a b c d Andy Howland. "Past Managers". Oxford Mail. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  2. ^ "Football League 1961–62". Football Club History Database. Richard Rundle. Archived from the original on 30 April 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
  3. ^ "Football League 1975–76". Football Club History Database. Richard Rundle. Archived from the original on 30 April 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2008.
  4. ^ "A potted history of QPR (1882–2008)". Queens Park Rangers F.C. 15 April 2008. Archived from the original on 14 May 2008. Retrieved 1 May 2008.
  5. ^ a b Andy Howland. "Famous Matches – QPR 1986". Oxford Mail. Archived from the original on 26 September 2012. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  6. ^ "Smith steps down as Oxford boss". BBC Sport. 9 November 2007. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  7. ^ "Wilder is new Oxford United boss". BBC Sport. 21 December 2008. Archived from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2008.
  8. ^ Marshall, Steve (16 May 2010). "Oxford United 3–1 York City". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  9. ^ "Oxford United accept manager Chris Wilder's resignation". BBC Sport. 26 January 2014. Archived from the original on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  10. ^ "Gary Waddock named Oxford United head coach". BBC Sport. 22 March 2014. Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  11. ^ "Oxford United: Michael Appleton named head coach in shake-up". BBC Sport. 4 July 2014. Archived from the original on 5 July 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  12. ^ "Leicester City: Michael Appleton leaves Oxford United to become Foxes assistant". BBC Sport. BBC Sport. 20 June 2017. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  13. ^ "Pep Clotet: Oxford United name ex-Leeds United and Swansea City coach as manager". BBC Sport. 1 July 2017. Archived from the original on 4 July 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  14. ^ "Pep Clotet: Oxford United sack manager". BBC Sport. 22 January 2018. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  15. ^ "Managers: Josep Clotet Ruiz". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
  16. ^ "Oxford United: Karl Robinson named new head coach after Charlton departure". BBC Sport. 22 March 2018. Archived from the original on 11 November 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  17. ^ "Oxford United 2–1 Peterborough United". BBC Sport. 17 March 2018. Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Karl Robinson: Oxford United head coach sacked after eight games without win". BBC Sport. BBC. 26 February 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  19. ^ "Liam Manning Becomes Head Coach at Oxford United". Oxford United F.C. 11 March 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  20. ^ "Liam Manning: Bristol City appoint Oxford boss as new head coach 10 days after Nigel Pearson sacking". Sky Sports. Sky Sports. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  21. ^ "Leyton Orient 2-3 Oxford United". BBC Sport. BBC. 11 November 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  22. ^ "Des Buckingham: Oxford United appoint former youth player as head coach". BBC Sport. BBC. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  23. ^ "DES BUCKINGHAM APPOINTED AS OXFORD MANAGER 🥳". The Jack Ward Podcast. YouTube. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  24. ^ "Bolton battering was U's turning point - Buckingham". BBC Sport. BBC. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  25. ^ "Oxford United overcome Bolton to win Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final". EFL. EFL. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  26. ^ "Oxford part company with head coach Buckingham". BBC Sport. BBC. 15 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  27. ^ "Des Buckingham: 'A manager we all loved'". BBC News. BBC. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  28. ^ "Oxford United Announce Gary Rowett As Head Coach". Oxford United. oufc.co.uk. 20 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  29. ^ Howland, Andy and Roger (1989). Oxford United: A Complete Record (1893–1989). Derby: Breedon Books. ISBN 0-907969-52-6.
  30. ^ "Manager history". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  31. ^ "Archive contents". The English Football Archive. Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
  32. ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 276–294.
  33. ^ "A Complete Record", p. 294.
  34. ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 294–314.
  35. ^ "A Complete Record", p. 314.
  36. ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 316–328.
  37. ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 328–335.
  38. ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 336–338.
  39. ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 338–340.
  40. ^ "Brief Look Back – Last 20 Years". Oxford Mail. Archived from the original on 24 November 2010. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  41. ^ "A Complete Record", p.101.
  42. ^ a b c "Jim Smith managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 14 June 2008. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  43. ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 340–349.
  44. ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 350–354.
  45. ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 354–356.
  46. ^ "Brian Horton". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  47. ^ "Full Members Cup". English Football Archive. Archived from the original on 19 December 2007. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  48. ^ "The Anglo-Italian Cup Results 1993". English Football Archive. Archived from the original on 20 November 2006. Retrieved 30 April 2008.
  49. ^ "Maurice Evans managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 9 January 2005. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  50. ^ "The Anglo-Italian Cup Results 1994". English Football Archive. Archived from the original on 20 November 2006. Retrieved 30 April 2008.
  51. ^ "Denis Smith". League Managers Association. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  52. ^ "Oxford United 1993–1994: Results". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
    "Oxford United 1994–1995: Results". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 25 March 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
    "Oxford United 1995–1996: Results". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 24 March 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
    "Oxford United 1996–1997: Results". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 21 March 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
    "Oxford United 1997–1998: Results". Statto Organisation. Archived from the original on 31 August 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  53. ^ "Crosby: I should have stayed". Oxford Mail. 19 February 2000. Retrieved 27 April 2008.[permanent dead link‍]
  54. ^ "1997/1998 Results". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 29 April 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2008.
  55. ^ "Malcolm Shotton managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 9 January 2005. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  56. ^ David Crabtree, Heather Jan Brunt and Chris Williams (15 June 2007). "A history of Oxford United Football Club". Oxford United F.C. Archived from the original on 10 April 2008. Retrieved 1 May 2008.
  57. ^ "1999/2000 results". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 11 January 2005. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
  58. ^ "Managers: Denis Smith". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  59. ^ a b "Mike Ford managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 9 January 2005. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  60. ^ "David Kemp managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  61. ^ "Mark Wright managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  62. ^ "Ian Atkins managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  63. ^ "Graham Rix managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 30 March 2008. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  64. ^ a b c "Darren Patterson managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 15 December 2004. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  65. ^ "Ramon Diaz managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 7 April 2006. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  66. ^ "David Oldfield (caretaker)". Rage Online. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  67. ^ "Brian Talbot managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
  68. ^ "Managers: Chris Wilder". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 8 November 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  69. ^ "Managers: Mickey Lewis". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  70. ^ "Managers: Gary Waddock". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  71. ^ "Managers: Michael Appleton". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  72. ^ "Managers: Josep Clotet Ruiz". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  73. ^ "Managers: Derek Fazackerley". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  74. ^ "Managers: Karl Robinson". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  75. ^ a b c "Managers: Craig Short". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  76. ^ "Managers: Liam Manning". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  77. ^ "Managers: Des Buckingham". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  78. ^ "Managers: Gary Rowett". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
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