Boss of Portsmouth relegation rivals gets vote of confidence ahead of Middlesbrough and Norwich City games
Gary Rowett has the backing of Oxford United chairman Grant Ferguson as the U’s sit just one point above Championship relegation zone
The boss of Pompey relegation rivals Oxford United has been given a vote of confidence to turn the U’s’ season around.
Chairman Grant Ferguson admitted the inconsistency levels shown by Gary Rowett’s side so far this campaign had been frustrating.
But he believes the former Birmingham City and Derby boss, alongside head of football operations Ed Waldron, are more than capable of finding a fix for the problem.
Oxford currently sit 21st in the Championship table, three points above the relegation zone, and a point below Pompey in 20th.
They have lost eight of their league fixtures to date, including their season-opener against the Blues at the Kassam Stadium, and travel to Middlesbrough on Saturday on the back of two successive defeats.
Their form has been interspered with wins against Bristol City, Derby and Sheffield Wednesday. Meanwhile, Ferguson said the U’s continue to show the qualities that are needed to remain in the division.
Neverthess, he believes the team need to demonstrate that ability on a more regular basis - and retains belief that Rowett is the man to achieve that.
Ferguson confident Oxford can start picking up points
Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Ferguson said: ‘This season the league has reaffirmed what we knew - that it is incredibly tough and competitive.
‘I've actually been happy that in most games we have demonstrated periods of quality and ability where we have looked as if we can go head-to-head with most teams in the league.
‘I think the frustration we all feel, including the players and management, is that we have struggled to keep that consistency within games and from one to another.
‘But I know Gary and Ed Waldron have been looking at factors that have been contributing to that and I'm sure we'll fix it - and when we do, we'll start picking up some more points.’
‘Really easy working relationship’
Like Pompey, Oxford won promotion to the Championship at the end of the 2023-24 season - albeit via the League One play-offs.
Des Buckingham was the man to steer the U’s there, only for him to lose his job last December with the U’s just one point above the relegation zone.
Rowett’s subsequent appointment helped Oxford finish 17th and four points clear of the bottom three of Cardiff, Plymouth and Luton.
And while the pressure is on all managers whose sides currently sit in relegation trouble - including Blues boss John Mousinho -Ferguson said his relationship with Rowett remains strong.
‘It's excellent working with Gary,’ he added.
‘He's very engaging and is a real team player, he has a huge amount of experience and knowledge, and is very happy to contribute that.
‘It's great to have him around the building and generally he is a great guy to go and have a beer and a burger with, it's a really easy working relationship.’
Four Championship managers have already lost their jobs this season - Ruben Selles (Sheffield United), Will Still (Southampton), Liam Manning (Norwich) and Alan Sheehan (Swansea).