In this article we will be discussing and reviewing how underdogs Oxford United managed to shock the country and get promoted to the Championship.
History
The club mainly have been in the lower divisions of the EFL. The club however qualified for the Europa League in 1986 after winning the League Cup, The club were also members of the first division (now the premier league) but were relegated in 1988. The club went on a downfall and by 2006 they were in Non League Football. After Four Seasons in the National League, they won promotion to League Two under the management of now Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. After finishing second in 2015/16, the club won promotion to League One. The club had reached the playoff final in the 2019/20 season under Karl Robinson but would lose to Wycombe Wanderers.
2023-24 Promotion
After finishing 19th the previous season, Oxford weren’t expected to really be challenging for the playoffs. Oxford had a busy summer signing 6 permanent signings and 5 players on loan, Oxford also get rid of a lot of deadwood following their underwhelming campaign previously. Oxford started the season well and by Matchday 15, were comfortably 2nd in the table. The season took a turn however as manager Liam Manning would leave the club and join Bristol City in the championship. Replacing Manning would be Des Buckingham. Buckingham, who had a successful management career managing in India, was an Oxford United fan so was a perfect candidate to replace Manning. Despite a difficult few weeks implementing his style of football, Buckingham was able to continue Oxford’s promotion push. In January, Oxford signed 6 new players which helped boost Oxford’s chances of getting promotion to the championship. Oxford would finish the season in 5th place and would face Peterborough United in the Semi Final. Oxford would win the 1st leg 1-0 at a sold out Kassam Stadium. Despite Peterborough taking the lead in the 2nd leg, Oxford would win the game on aggregate following a Cameron Brannagan penalty. Oxford would face Bolton Wanderers in the final at Wembley. In the final, Josh Murphy would score a brace for the Ox’s as he helped guide Oxford to the championship for the first time since 1993.
My Thoughts
I think the job Des Buckingham has done is remarkable. Despite not being favourites to do anything this season, his team have proved everyone wrong and have won promotion to the championship. It will be the first time since 1993 that the Ox’s will play in the second tier of English Football.