adminGary Rowett calls for transfer help after Oxford United loss
Gary Rowett has looked ahead to the January transfer window, admitting that Oxford United ‘need help’ after suffering defeat to Charlton Athletic.
Charlie Kelman’s well-taken goal stole three points away from the U’s grasp in their last away game of 2025.
“It felt as though it was a pretty even game; I didn’t think there was a lot in it,” Rowett said after the loss.
“I don’t necessarily think Charlton were better than us but also don’t think we were better than them.
“One moment of quality for the goal and we couldn’t find that. We huffed and puffed a little bit. I thought first half we actually played quite well for an away performance. I thought we had some control, got into some good positions but without really creating much more than a shot from distance or a rushed effort.”
United are in real need of some added quality and vigour in and around the box, as well as some midfield depth.
The group clearly needs a little bit of help in January,” the 51-year-old continued.
“They’re an honest group. They work hard but we’re just struggling to find that little bit of a difference in this division without someone like Cameron [Brannagan] in the team. That’s what we’re missing really.
🗣️ Some ramblings after an incredibly disappointing afternoon at The Valley. 😞#OUFC 🟡 pic.twitter.com/tHs9NtleXu
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) December 20, 2025
“You only have to look at our goal scoring list to know that we haven’t got enough players in and around the level that we need.”
Only Will Lankshear, Przemyslaw Placheta, and Brannagan have more than one goal so far this season.
“It’s hard to win games when you’re always looking for that one moment. You need three, four, five players to step up in different games and come up with different moments to go and win you points.
“At the moment, we’re struggling to find that. Whether that’s a little bit of confidence, whether it’s that we don’t quite have the momentum we had last season when we came in.
“Most of the players have had a good opportunity and whilst I think we’ve been incredibly competitive in this division, we just haven’t quite had enough to win enough games and that’s the simple truth.”
After the 78th-minute goal, some unsavoury chants were directed Rowett’s way from a section of the travelling U’s fans.
“We’ve got to stick together,” the Yellows boss reiterated.
READ MORE: Oxford United boss shares plans for January transfer window
“I can understand the crowd’s reaction, but it is what it is. It’s not particularly helpful in the moment but I understand their frustration.
“I don’t necessarily think being personal helps, but I understand if they’re disappointed with us not winning games, I get that.
“If we go down that route, then it’s going to clearly mean one thing.”
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