Away Match Thread 18/04/2026: Derby County v Oxford United

[Carpy]

 

[uptheus]

Yes I do.

All players, and how do you know?

Not saying players have downed tools, but I’m not sure all the players back him or are classified as Team Bloomfield.

 

[Berliner]

As much as we all love our club and, put on the yellow tinted glasses week in, week out, it has to accepted that so long as we have no budget to mention, we stand little chance of attracting the talent needed to play at Championship level. We won't attract the players or the coaching staff. We got incredibly lucky making the play-offs and then winning but, once in the Championship, can we really say that we advanced, both in playing talent and, management?

Rowett was a disaster, barely kept us up last season and hadn't got a clue as to how to run a campaign to, at least, make mid-table. Bloomfield does not have the experience and nous to do any better. Until the club has an income on a par with other clubs making up the Championship, we just cannot hope to achieve unless incredibly lucky.

I'm not resigned to relegation but, let's face it, it is looking likely. It's a bloody shame because this league has provided far more than just football.

Rowett a disaster for keeping us up is an interesting take, I must say.

 

[QR]

Well if there is one cliche in football that does seem to be true tonight it's 'the table doesn't lie'.

 

[Steve Gilbert]

All players, and how do you know?

Not saying players have downed tools, but I’m not sure all the players back him or are classified as Team Bloomfield.

I’m not going to say how I know but yes the players are behind Bloomfield and the staff.

 

[Yellows1]

Of course Bloomfield isn't anywhere near as negative, defeatist or downright doff-capping as Gary Rowett.

But, devil's advocate, this is a guy who has had three months in charge and still thinks MPH can take a long throw and that Will Vaulks is worth chucking on in games for any reason (there is no reason).

The two really aren't a million miles apart in their approach. The incumbent just smiles more.

I think your’ll find it’s the same players both manager had - Maybe just maybe they ain’t good enough, just a thought…………

 

[Pgyellow]

My worry is that the senior leadership and recruitment team aren't all on the same page again and we cock up another summer.

 

[HillBilly]

Two years ago Danny Röhl took over at Wednesday when they hadn't won a game all season.

He won 43% of their remaining games and stayed up. With Will Vaulks as Player Of The Season and Ugbo (who hasn't scored since) as their top scorer.

Don't tell me that winning more than 28% of your games is unrealistic.

It's an interesting comparison that, because I'm not sure their records are that different.

Bloomfield started slow. You could put that down to his tinkering, us being sluggish about replacing Rowett (even after he'd gone), the fact we brought in 8 new players, a horrible fixture list in February, a mixture of all those things, and whatever else I've missed.

But he's done better in his first 18 games than Danny Röhl did in 23/4, and also better than he did with Luton last year.

Over the last 10 games, since he's found some sort of formula, we've won 4 and drawn 3 (which is the same return Röhl's Wednesday had in their last 10 games of 23/4). Over a season it's 69 points.

We might just run out of games, but it's my impression that if he was appointed a bit earlier we'd be safe, and if he was appointed in October, like Röhl, it's not too nuts to imagine Bloomfield might even have the better record.

Maybe there's one or two things about him that grate a bit, but I'd say he's done enough to keep his job whichever league we're in.

 

[greatunclekip]

It’s quite simple. When we go down, Tim, Ed and Matt have to go.

 

[Billyox]

For example, when Pompey went down to 10 men we should have left one of our players up the pitch to make Pompey bring at least 2 players back, plus the other who’s taking their throw/corner, but we had all 11 back defending meaning Pompey could push more players on, hence them getting the equaliser. And 2 or 3 of their players were absolutely free.

I believed this was caused because players believe that as we’re all back defending that all will be okay, but I think that breeds complacency e.g. they don’t keep their focus.

s**t example every manager does that whether they are playing against 10 or 11 Leeds brought everyone back the other night against man u

 

[headingtonoldboy]

I think that Bloomfield generally sets us up to try not to concede rather than take the game to the opposition, hence why I said yesterday I hope we go at Derby etc.

He just wants us to try and stay in the game and get a goal from a set piece e.g. throw in, corner, free kick etc as we rarely create anything of note or don’t try this.

The thing is, if we concede we then struggle to create openings. The two chances we got today was mainly down to shutting their players down rather than passing and moving through the thirds.

I don’t have faith in Bloomfield, seems like Rowett v2 as I said previously.

I think this is a good point. However, if both Rowett and Bloomfield set up the team in the same way, then maybe it's because they realise the players aren't good enough and that it's probably the best way to get a result. Just a thought...

 

[Under The Cuckoo Lane]

Of course Bloomfield isn't anywhere near as negative, defeatist or downright doff-capping as Gary Rowett.

But, devil's advocate, this is a guy who has had three months in charge and still thinks MPH can take a long throw and that Will Vaulks is worth chucking on in games for any reason (there is no reason).

The two really aren't a million miles apart in their approach. The incumbent just smiles more.

Will Vaulks has recently been good coming on, he enables us to change shape and we've looked more settled and dangerous. Should have been on earlier at Derby.
Can't you see that?

 

[Oxford84]

We have been a bit unlucky in that several teams around us have perked up.
That West Brom result has killed us really.
The only hope is points penalty for West Brom.

West brom havent lost a game since we played them at the end of February, at the time they looked one of the worst teams in the league and heading for relegation.

 

[Jster]

There's a weird contrast with last season, in that last season we very much outperformed our stats, and this season we are very much under-performing them. Could just be the vagaries of variance, I suppose, but does seem a real missed opportunity to consolidate.

 

[Oxford84]

Wrexham have a good chance of playoffs but they have realistically no chance of autos - still means they will be gunning for us and far more of a threat than a limp Watford were last week

Realistically L1 time unless Baggies get a big deduction

They have Watford and Sheff Wednesday to play so unless the deduction is 10 points theyd probably still be above us by the end of the season.

 

[Morris Oxford]

I think your’ll find it’s the same players both manager had - Maybe just maybe they ain’t good enough, just a thought…………

That’s not quite true.

Rowett had Matt Phillips, Luke Harris, Krastev, Dembele, Sibley, Leigh.

Bloomfield was heavily backed in January with serious money paid for permanent /loans for the likes of Emakhu, Jin-Woo, McDonell, Makosso, Donley, Konak, MPH.

The current squad in my view is also stronger than the one Rowett kept us up with last season.

 

[ThatSlopesATwelfthMan]

I think this is a good point. However, if both Rowett and Bloomfield set up the team in the same way, then maybe it's because they realise the players aren't good enough and that it's probably the best way to get a result. Just a thought...

Exactly this. Bloomfield brought more positive personal vibes and with a couple of better players but the underlying limitations remain. It's to his credit that we're still technically in the hunt. Every time he's tried to be more expansive we've looked chronically vulnerable to a battering.

Yesterday was such a classic OUFC 2026 match. Kept our shape really well for the first 15 to give a foundation. Then pushed a few forward for a long throw. Opposition manager and players read it like a book so kept a couple higher ready to pick up the loose ball. Said loose ball was a 50/50 but the oppo just a fraction faster and more alert l. Bang and we're chasing shadows for 70 mins. They had at least three dangerous counter attacks before Bloomfield tightened things even further to prevent a drubbing.

Perhaps the biggest difference is that this isn't Bloomfield's preference, almost philosophy, in the way it was for Rowett.

 

[Upthecowboys]

It’s interesting the different messages from MB re the injured players..

What I’ve heard is:-

BDK - basically he’s chosen to have the operation but the implication is he could have risked playing on i.e. we’re in a relegation battle, it would have been good to have all hands to the pump.

Placheta - been on the bench recently, Woo been played ahead of him (that’s worked hasn’t it), then we hear he’s done his hamstring in training. I bet Placheta is annoyed (rightfully) that he hasn’t seen more action recently. It may be that he had a move lined up. But he should have had more minutes, and MB didn’t sound that disappointed that he’s out..

Then Jack Curry..

Words to the effect that he’s a trooper, wants to play through the pain. Far more positive language re him from MB than the other 2. That doesn’t scream squad harmony to me.

Then we turn Prelec into a perm, he’s hardly played and rolls his ankle and misses out. Are we confides he’s robust enough to be available for most of next season? I’m not..

It is easy to find faults at the moment, and I don’t want to be hypercritical, but I think the messaging re injuries is just a small sign of things (comms) not being up to it.

With BDK, if the club think he could have battled on and as he is a sellable asset, I’d have gone down the lines of..

1) Not hinting he could have played on.
2) Been really positive about having him available for preseason training, say how gutted he is. BDK actually felt the need to come out and comment.

Anyway on the scheme of things maybe I am being hypercritical, but think the messaging has been poor..

 

[maccydee]

Need a freshen up on Tuesday. Emakhu, Harris and McDonnell all to start. Drop MPH, Donley and Konak.

Konak has been our best player. Harris for Donley is bonkers.

 

[Foley]

Konak has been our best player. Harris for Donley is bonkers.

Konak has been our best player for over a month in my view.
Agree, leaving him out wouod ge madness.

 

[maccydee]

West Brom playing like a team with fight.

Chalk and cheese to what we offered earlier.

Ffs

When we beat West Brom the opposite was said.

So much changing of minds and history here.

 

[Village-Yellow]

When we beat West Brom the opposite was said.

So much changing of minds and history here.

It's not changing of minds or history. When we beat Brom, that was most probably the case.

It's just a reflection of what was on show yesterday. And on Tuesday we may well witness a whole different approach to the game.

It's hitting any form of consistency that is the problem as I really believe we have been showing some real fight of late, but what we put out yesterday was just a mystery.

 

[Jster]

Whenever we lose a game, some people claim we lack fight. You do know it is possible to give your all and still lose right? It's lazy kneejerk analysis.

 

[Symp59]

All players, and how do you know?

Not saying players have downed tools, but I’m not sure all the players back him or are classified as Team Bloomfield.

I just think we aren't good enough, i think they give it there all. The midfield of virtually all the championship teams is better than our week in week out .Our defence is mid table our midfield and attackers are where we are

 

[Being boiled]

Had words with some young lads in front of me who joined in that too.

Absolute cretins.

Totally. It was astonishing to hear them singing how bad we were.
Then again the majority of Oxford songs yesterday were either about our hatred for Swindon or simply copying the Derby songs and slightly changing the words to suit. Hardly proper encouraging songs.
And as for the group of real hard kids who spent most of the game giving hand gestures to the bald Derby fan. You looked pathetic. I somehow doubt you’d be so brazen if you met him outside.

 

[dickwalton1964]

Konak has been our best player for over a month in my view.
Agree, leaving him out wouod ge madness.

Yes, he’s done really well but McDonnell is no mug and will add much needed freshness. That decision by Konak yesterday not to slide Woo in was criminal, not to mention costly. A really good ball winner and reader of the game but so limited when he has time to think.

 

[Thomas/Brock/Jones]

That’s not quite true.

Rowett had Matt Phillips, Luke Harris, Krastev, Dembele, Sibley, Leigh.

Bloomfield was heavily backed in January with serious money paid for permanent /loans for the likes of Emakhu, Jin-Woo, McDonell, Makosso, Donley, MPH.

The current squad in my view is also stronger than the one Rowett kept us up with last season.

A real shame that none of the amazing players bought in in Jan have really excelled then.
Donely ,MPH the only starters and while some good games none of them have been the difference between staying up or going down ....so far anyway

 

[dickwalton1964]

Will Vaulks has recently been good coming on, he enables us to change shape and we've looked more settled and dangerous. Should have been on earlier at Derby.
Can't you see that?

Agree with this. Vaulks hasn’t done too much wrong coming on as sub and that throw is a weapon when you’re chasing a game, it’s a bit basic but needs must. He’s not going to change a game on the ball but does add that bit of experience and reassurance. He’s just become an easy target for some fans and it sticks, no matter what he does.

 

[carefreeoufc]

A real shame that none of the amazing players bought in in Jan have really excelled then.
Donely ,MPH the only starters and while some good games none of them have been the difference between staying up or going down ....so far anyway

Konak has excelled as well. All three are starters. Almost 30% of our starting 11. Makosso has done well when played. I’d say the jury is still out on Roosken etc.

 

[holdsteady]

A real shame that none of the amazing players bought in in Jan have really excelled then.
Donely ,MPH the only starters and while some good games none of them have been the difference between staying up or going down ....so far anyway

Konak came in January and is a starter and one of our better players to be fair.

 

[holdsteady]

Konak has excelled as well. All three are starters. Almost 30% of our starting 11. Makosso has done well when played. I’d say the jury is still out on Roosken etc.

Makosso started well but it unraveled after that, hard to call him a success.

Konak the best of the signings, MPH started well but it’s looking his mind is elsewhere, Donley got unlucky with an injury and has been hit and miss really. Other than that, from Woo, McDonnell, Roosken, Emakhu we have got very little. Trouble with needing to make 8 signings in the tricky January window, it was to much work left over from summer.

One success and a few partial successes for various reasons, although hopefully a couple more come good next season.