Oxford United fans have seen plenty of twists and turns this season, but the past few weeks might just take the cake. With the club languishing in 23rd place in the Championship, three points adrift of safety and struggling to find the back of the net, the board has made bold moves both on and off the pitch in a bid to spark a revival. Just over two weeks after showing Gary Rowett the door, the U’s have turned to Matt Bloomfield, the former Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers boss, to steady the ship at the Kassam Stadium. And as if that wasn’t enough drama, Oxford have also swooped for attacking midfielder Myles Peart-Harris from Brentford, hoping his energy and creativity can help drag them out of the relegation zone.
Let’s start with the managerial shakeup. Appointed on January 9, 2026, Bloomfield’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for Oxford United. The club’s hierarchy wasted little time after Rowett’s departure, moving quickly to secure a new leader with both Championship experience and a reputation for getting the most out of his squads. Bloomfield’s tenure at Luton Town was a mixed bag: he guided the Hatters through a tough spell in the Championship that ultimately ended in relegation, and a rocky start to life in League One saw him dismissed from Kenilworth Road. But before his Luton stint, Bloomfield made waves with Wycombe Wanderers, earning praise for his tactical acumen and ability to galvanize a squad against the odds.
So, is Bloomfield the right man to rescue Oxford from the drop? That’s the million-pound question echoing through the stands at the Kassam. Some fans might be wary, given his recent misfortunes at Luton, but others remember his successes at Wycombe and see a manager with something to prove. The club’s leadership is certainly betting on the latter. After all, timing is everything in football management, and Bloomfield now has the chance to reshape his narrative while giving Oxford the fresh impetus they so desperately need.
But it’s not just the dugout that’s seen a shakeup. On the same day as Bloomfield’s appointment, Oxford United announced the signing of Myles Peart-Harris from Brentford. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder joins on a short-term deal until the end of the 2025-2026 season, and his arrival couldn’t be more timely. The U’s have been crying out for attacking flair, sitting joint fourth lowest in the division with just 25 goals scored. Peart-Harris, who played 30 games for Swansea City last season, netting four goals and providing three assists, brings a proven track record at Championship level. He’s also had spells with Forest Green Rovers and Portsmouth, and most recently made his fourth Premier League appearance as a late substitute in Brentford’s 4-2 win over Everton.
Peart-Harris is eager to hit the ground running. Speaking to the club website, 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." That attitude will surely endear him to supporters hungry for both results and commitment on the pitch.
Ed Waldron, Oxford United’s head of football operations, was quick to highlight what Peart-Harris brings to the squad: "Myles is a very direct player with the fitness, pace and intelligence to make an immediate impact. He gives us real attacking threat and versatility in the final third and, importantly, has a work ethic and mentality we value." It’s clear the club sees Peart-Harris as more than just a stopgap—he’s a player who could help define the season’s run-in.
With Peart-Harris signing in time to be available for the FA Cup third round tie away to MK Dons, there’s a sense of renewed optimism around the club. If he can settle quickly and find the net, Oxford’s survival hopes will get a much-needed shot in the arm. The timing couldn’t be better, as every point and every goal will matter in the fight to avoid the drop.
Of course, the challenge facing Bloomfield and his new charge is immense. The Championship is notorious for its unpredictability and relentless pace. Oxford’s current predicament—second from bottom, three points from safety—means the margin for error is razor thin. The club’s attacking woes have been a major stumbling block, and while Peart-Harris offers hope, the entire squad will need to step up if they’re to climb out of danger.
Bloomfield’s experience at Wycombe, where he built a reputation for fostering team spirit and tactical discipline, could prove invaluable. His ability to motivate players and adapt to the rigors of lower-league football might be just what Oxford require. Still, the ghosts of his Luton tenure linger. Can he put those memories behind him and inspire a turnaround? The coming weeks will provide the answer, as fixtures pile up and the pressure mounts.
Meanwhile, the supporters are watching closely. The sacking of Rowett and the swift appointment of Bloomfield signal a club determined to avoid the financial and sporting consequences of relegation. The addition of Peart-Harris, with his Premier League pedigree and hunger to prove himself, adds another layer of intrigue. Will the new manager and new signing spark a revival, or will Oxford’s struggles continue?
As the U’s prepare for their FA Cup clash and the critical league matches to follow, the mood around the Kassam Stadium is a blend of hope, anxiety, and cautious excitement. There’s no denying the scale of the challenge ahead, but with Bloomfield at the helm and Peart-Harris ready to make his mark, Oxford United have given themselves a fighting chance.
For now, all eyes are on the new faces in yellow and blue. The action is just getting started, and with so much at stake, every match feels like a cup final. One thing’s for sure: Oxford United’s season is far from over, and the next chapter promises plenty of drama, determination, and—just maybe—a great escape.
