Bloomfield 'disappointed' by Oxford sacking

Former Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield has expressed his disappointment after being dismissed and replaced with former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

The U's suffered relegation to League One last season but had shown progress under Bloomfield prior to his sacking in June, increasing their points per game from 0.88 to 1.19.

The club had also tripled the amount of clean sheets from two to six under the 42-year-old's tenure.

"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," Bloomfield said in a statement, external to the League Managers Association.

"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."

Oxford ended last season with 47 points in 22nd place, four points behind 21st placed West Bromwich Albion.