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A former Millwall manager is the current leading contender to be appointed at Oxford United
Recently-sacked Coventry City boss Mark Robins - who has also been linked with the Millwall vacancy - and ex-Crystal Palace player and two-time caretaker coach Paddy McCarthy are among the other names touted for the position. Rowett’s last permanent job in management was with the Lions as he was appointed at the Den in October 2019. He would leave the club eight days shy of his fourth anniversary in October 2023 with Millwall 15th in the Championship with four wins from 11 games but just three points outside the play-off spots.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed being manager of Millwall and depart with a feeling that the club has progressed during my tenure. I would like to thank the fans for all their support during my time at the club. The atmosphere they create is truly unique. As is sometimes the case in football, the time just feels right to part ways,” Rowett said at the time, having guided Millwall to top-half finishes in each of seasons while never quite breaking into the top six.
Rowett - who appeared for the likes of Everton, Derby County, Birmingham City and Leicester City during his playing days - did briefly manage last season as he was appointed at Birmingham City on an interim basis following Tony Mowbray’s departure on medical grounds. He was in charge for eight games as Birmingham were relegated. Speaking recently he did admit he would like to get back into management, as he said: "Now I’ve worked out how to manage my time more effectively. I don’t just sit by the phone hoping it rings. The next opportunity will come when it comes. Usually, you get offered work. In fact, I could have been back in a job just days after leaving Millwall [in October 2023], but it’s about waiting for the right opportunity. That’s the biggest challenge for any manager out of work.”
Oxford were promoted from League One last term as they beat Bolton Wanderers in the third tier play-off final at Wembley. They enjoyed a positive start to the Championship campaign but are without a win in six games following Saturday’s defeat to the Owls. They were beaten 2-0 by QPR in midweek and drew with Millwall at the end of November. The draw with the Lions is their only point since beating Hull City 1-0 on November 5, with defeats to Watford, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United coming afterwards. They have won just once in their last 15 games.
A short club 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.”
Buckingham managed 59 games at Oxford, winning 20, drawing 16 and losing 23. Up next for the club is a trip to Elland Road to take on Leeds United while they face Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle and Millwall over the festive period. The U’s are currently just one point outside the bottom three.
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