Oxford United has announced several new coaches and made a statement on current staff as its key Championship match against Bristol City nears.

Oxford United has announced several new coaches and made a statement on current staff as its key Championship match against Bristol City nears.

Oxford United have appointed new coaches before its upcoming match against Bristol City.

With recently-appointed manager Matt Bloomfield’s first match in the dugout days away, the U’s have announced two new appointments.

Mike Dodds has become the assistant head coach, having previously coached at Birmingham City and Sunderland, and having most recently been the head coach of League One side Wycombe Wanderers.

Meanwhile Ben Cirne will begin his coach analyst role next week, having previously worked alongside Mr Bloomfield at Colchester United, Wycombe Wanderers, and Luton Town.

The club additionally announced that all existing backroom staff will remain in place.

The new gaffer was revealed on Friday, January 9, and observed the U’s FA Cup Third Round victory from the stands.

Craig Short, Lewis Price and Chris Hackett took charge of the match, which has resulted in a Fourth Round tie at home to Sunderland AFC.

Before then the team’s focus will be on the battle against the drop, with Oxford United currently 23rd in The Championship, three points from safety.

The next game is at the Kassam Stadium this Saturday, January 17, at 3pm and is against Bristol City, who are 10th in the division.

In preparation, Mr Bloomfield took charge of his first training session at the club having spoken to the players after the FA Cup victory over MK Dons on Friday.