List of Oxford United F.C. managers

The following is a list of
Jim Smith started his first spell as manager in 1982, and led Oxford into the
Having missed out on promotion in the
Wilder resigned in January 2014 and was announced as the new manager of
Robinson was sacked in February 2023 after a run of poor results left the club just five points above the relegation zone.
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.
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
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
Name | Nationality | From | To | P | W | D | L | Win % | Honours | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Harry Thompson | English | 1 July 1949 | 6 November 1958 | 466 | 210 | 87 | 169 | 45.1 | 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 | 54.5 | [33] | ||
Arthur Turner | English | 1 January 1959 | 28 February 1969 | 504 | 218 | 119 | 167 | 43.3 | 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 | 50.0 | [35] | |
Gerry Summers | English | 1 July 1969 | 1 October 1975 | 293 | 93 | 89 | 111 | 31.7 | [36] | |
Mick Brown | English | 1 October 1975 | 22 July 1979 | 187 | 53 | 61 | 73 | 28.3 | [37] | |
Bill Asprey | English | 22 July 1979 | 26 December 1980 | 82 | 23 | 20 | 39 | 28.0 | [38] | |
Ian Greaves | English | 26 December 1980 | 30 January 1982 | 50 | 23 | 16 | 11 | 46.0 | [39] | |
Roy Barry (caretaker) | Scottish | 3 February 1982 | 28 February 1982 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 33.3 | [40][41] | |
Jim Smith | English | 1 March 1982 | 11 June 1985 | 167 | 89 | 42 | 36 | 53.3 | 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 | 29.3 | 1986
|
[5][44] |
Mark Lawrenson | Irish | 26 March 1988 | 25 October 1988 | 23 | 4 | 8 | 11 | 17.4 | [45] | |
Brian Horton | English | 25 October 1988 | 27 August 1993 | 251 | 79 | 65 | 107 | 31.5 | [46][47][48] | |
Maurice Evans (caretaker) | English | 27 August 1993 | 10 September 1993 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 | [49][50] | |
Denis Smith | English | 10 September 1993 | 24 December 1997 | 247 | 99 | 60 | 88 | 40.1 | Second Division runners-up: 1995–96 | [51][52] |
Malcolm Crosby (caretaker) | English | 24 December 1997 | 24 January 1998 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0.0 | [53][54] | |
Malcolm Shotton | English | 24 January 1998 | 25 October 1999 | 88 | 26 | 22 | 40 | 29.5 | [55] | |
Mickey Lewis (caretaker) | English | 25 October 1999 | 2 February 2000 | 22 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 27.3 | [56][57] | |
Denis Smith | English | 3 February 2000 | 2 October 2000 | 30 | 8 | 3 | 19 | 26.7 | [58] | |
Mike Ford (caretaker) | English | 3 October 2000 | 31 October 2000 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0.0 | [59] | |
David Kemp
|
English | 31 October 2000 | 30 April 2001 | 31 | 7 | 3 | 21 | 22.6 | [60] | |
Mike Ford (caretaker) | English | 1 May 2001 | 8 May 2001 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | [59] | |
Mark Wright | English | 8 May 2001 | 22 November 2001 | 22 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 18.2 | [61] | |
Ian Atkins | English | 23 November 2001 | 21 March 2004 | 122 | 47 | 35 | 40 | 38.5 | [62] | |
Graham Rix | English | 22 March 2004 | 14 November 2004 | 29 | 6 | 8 | 15 | 20.7 | [63] | |
Darren Patterson (caretaker) | Northern Irish | 14 November 2004 | 9 December 2004 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 33.3 | [64] | |
Ramón Díaz | Argentine | 9 December 2004 | 4 May 2005 | 25 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 40.0 | [65] | |
David Oldfield (caretaker) | English | 7 May 2005 | 7 May 2006 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | [66] | |
Brian Talbot | English | 6 May 2005 | 14 March 2006 | 44 | 10 | 16 | 18 | 22.7 | [67] | |
Darren Patterson | Northern Irish | 14 March 2006 | 22 March 2006 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 33.3 | [64] | |
Jim Smith | English | 22 March 2006 | 9 November 2007 | 82 | 34 | 26 | 22 | 41.5 | [42] | |
Darren Patterson | Northern Irish | 9 November 2007 | 30 November 2008 | 59 | 24 | 11 | 24 | 40.7 | [64] | |
Jim Smith (caretaker) | English | 30 November 2008 | 21 December 2008 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 50.0 | [42] | |
Chris Wilder | English | 21 December 2008 | 26 January 2014 | 269 | 121 | 70 | 78 | 45.0 | Conference Premier play-off winners: 2009–10
|
[68] |
Mickey Lewis (caretaker) | English | 26 January 2014 | 22 March 2014 | 12 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 25.0 | [69] | |
Gary Waddock | Irish | 22 March 2014 | 4 July 2014 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 12.5 | [70] | |
Michael Appleton | English | 4 July 2014 | 20 June 2017 | 173 | 78 | 46 | 49 | 45.1 | 2016–17
|
[71] |
Pep Clotet | Spanish | 1 July 2017 | 22 January 2018 | 36 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 33.3 | [72] | |
Derek Fazackerley (caretaker) | English | 22 January 2018 | 22 March 2018 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 25.0 | [73] | |
Karl Robinson | English | 22 March 2018 | 26 February 2023 | 274 | 110 | 70 | 94 | 40.1 | 2020 EFL League One play-off runners-up | [74] |
Craig Short (caretaker) | English | 26 February 2023 | 1 March 2023 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 | [75] | |
Liam Manning | English | 12 March 2023 | 7 November 2023 | 29 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 48.3 | [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 | 33.9 | 2024 EFL League One play-off winners | [77] |
Craig Short (caretaker) | English | 20 December 2024 | 21 December 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | [75] | |
Gary Rowett | English | 22 December 2024 | - | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 57.1 | [78] |
References
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
- ^ a b c d Andy Howland. "Past Managers". Oxford Mail. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
- ^ "Football League 1961–62". Football Club History Database. Richard Rundle. Archived from the original on 30 April 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
- ^ "Football League 1975–76". Football Club History Database. Richard Rundle. Archived from the original on 30 April 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2008.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b Andy Howland. "Famous Matches – QPR 1986". Oxford Mail. Archived from the original on 26 September 2012. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
- ^ "Smith steps down as Oxford boss". BBC Sport. 9 November 2007. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "Wilder is new Oxford United boss". BBC Sport. 21 December 2008. Archived from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2008.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Gary Waddock named Oxford United head coach". BBC Sport. 22 March 2014. Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Pep Clotet: Oxford United sack manager". BBC Sport. 22 January 2018. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
- ^ "Managers: Josep Clotet Ruiz". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 11 October 2017. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Oxford United 2–1 Peterborough United". BBC Sport. 17 March 2018. Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
- ^ "Karl Robinson: Oxford United head coach sacked after eight games without win". BBC Sport. BBC. 26 February 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ "Liam Manning Becomes Head Coach at Oxford United". Oxford United F.C. 11 March 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Leyton Orient 2-3 Oxford United". BBC Sport. BBC. 11 November 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ "Des Buckingham: Oxford United appoint former youth player as head coach". BBC Sport. BBC. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ "DES BUCKINGHAM APPOINTED AS OXFORD MANAGER 🥳". The Jack Ward Podcast. YouTube. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Bolton battering was U's turning point - Buckingham". BBC Sport. BBC. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Oxford United overcome Bolton to win Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final". EFL. EFL. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Oxford part company with head coach Buckingham". BBC Sport. BBC. 15 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Des Buckingham: 'A manager we all loved'". BBC News. BBC. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Oxford United Announce Gary Rowett As Head Coach". Oxford United. oufc.co.uk. 20 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ISBN 0-907969-52-6.
- ^ "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. Retrieved 29 April 2008.
- ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 276–294.
- ^ "A Complete Record", p. 294.
- ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 294–314.
- ^ "A Complete Record", p. 314.
- ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 316–328.
- ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 328–335.
- ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 336–338.
- ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 338–340.
- ^ "Brief Look Back – Last 20 Years". Oxford Mail. Archived from the original on 24 November 2010. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
- ^ "A Complete Record", p.101.
- ^ a b c "Jim Smith managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 14 June 2008. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 340–349.
- ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 350–354.
- ^ "A Complete Record", pp. 354–356.
- ^ "Brian Horton". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
- ^ "Full Members Cup". English Football Archive. Archived from the original on 19 December 2007. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
- ^ "The Anglo-Italian Cup Results 1993". English Football Archive. Archived from the original on 20 November 2006. Retrieved 30 April 2008.
- ^ "Maurice Evans managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 9 January 2005. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "The Anglo-Italian Cup Results 1994". English Football Archive. Archived from the original on 20 November 2006. Retrieved 30 April 2008.
- ^ "Denis Smith". League Managers Association. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "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. - ^ "Crosby: I should have stayed". Oxford Mail. 19 February 2000. Retrieved 27 April 2008.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "1997/1998 Results". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 29 April 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2008.
- ^ "Malcolm Shotton managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 9 January 2005. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "1999/2000 results". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 11 January 2005. Retrieved 28 April 2008.
- ^ "Managers: Denis Smith". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ a b "Mike Ford managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 9 January 2005. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "David Kemp managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "Mark Wright managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "Ian Atkins managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 1 October 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "Graham Rix managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 30 March 2008. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ a b c "Darren Patterson managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 15 December 2004. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "Ramon Diaz managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 7 April 2006. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "David Oldfield (caretaker)". Rage Online. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
- ^ "Brian Talbot managerial career". Soccerbase. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2008.
- ^ "Managers: Chris Wilder". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 8 November 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
- ^ "Managers: Mickey Lewis". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Managers: Gary Waddock". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Managers: Michael Appleton". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ "Managers: Josep Clotet Ruiz". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
- ^ "Managers: Derek Fazackerley". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
- ^ "Managers: Karl Robinson". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
- ^ a b c "Managers: Craig Short". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
- ^ "Managers: Liam Manning". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
- ^ "Managers: Des Buckingham". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "Managers: Gary Rowett". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 December 2024.