GARY Rowett will have a quick reunion with Millwall supporters after being appointed the new head coach of Oxford United.
Rowett, 50, has taken over from Des Buckingham, who was sacked after five defeats in six games. The only point they have picked up in the last 21 available was in their 1-1 draw at home to the Lions last month.
Buckingham led the side to a 2-0 play-off victory over Bolton Wanderers last season.
Former Burton Albion and Stoke city boss Rowett left Millwall in October 2023 after four years in charge. He led the Lions to within 45 minutes of the Championship play-offs in 2022-23 when they were 3-1 up against Blackburn Rovers at half-time only to lose 4-3 and drop from fifth to eighth.
Rowett returned to his former club Birmingham City to replace Tony Mowbray in March but despite three wins and two draws in eight games Blues were relegated to League One on the final day.
The U’s are 23rd in the table, a point off safety, after losing 4-0 to Leeds United at the weekend. Rowett watched from the stands at Elland Road before taking over.
Oxford host Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle before heading to The Den on New Year’s Day.
“I’m really pleased to get it done. You want to get into the building and start meeting people and find your way around things,” Rowett said on Oxford’s website.
“The most important thing is to work with the team, and I’m really excited for that. I’ve had a great welcome and I’m excited to start.
“I’ve seen the club over the years, and over the last few I have seen the development in becoming a Championship side again.
“When I first heard of the interest it was an exciting opportunity. Most importantly it’s about the people you work with and there are some really good people at the club with clear structures.
“The passion of the fans is another aspect and for me it’s about trying to give them something. We want to maintain the success and then build on it to get them a team they are proud of.
“I’ve done it before several times with clubs at this stage of the season.
“For me, I have managed to build other clubs into teams that can challenge for the top six. It’s about showing ambition, because at times like this it can be easy to be fearful, but you need a clear direction of travel and, as I said, be ambitious.
“There is a good team here with talented individuals and I need to help create a synergy to perform.”
Rowett has been working as a EFL pundit this season.
He added: “I’m well-versed on the whole Championship having spent the last year watching games. I watched the first home game of the season against Norwich City, and I’ve seen the team at their best.
“It’s important to get back to that quickly. I can look at the players with fresh eyes and I’m looking forward to meeting the players. I’ve been coaching for a long time, and I like to get out there and see if we can continue to make improvements.
“You must come in and try and make an impact right away. I’m not the type who will say they need ten games to get my point across because you haven’t got that time.
“It’s about impacting things straight away and being clear with the players on how we create that synergy and create performances. I’ve been in this situation on numerous occasions and this group looks like a really good one and it’s up to me to help get that winning mentality back.”
