Michael Appleton named head coach in shake-up Former Blackburn boss Michael Appleton has been appointed Oxford United head coach after Gary Waddock was sacked as part of an ownership shake-up. Waddock, 52, only became U's boss in March but was unable to guide the club to the League Two play-offs. The appointment of Appleton, 38, forms part of a restructuring of the club in which ex-Marussia Formula 1 chairman Darryl Eales becomes joint-owner. Businessman Ian Lenagan, who has owned Oxford for eight years, will stay on. In a statement, Lenagan said: "We would like to thank Gary for his effort and contribution through the past months on behalf of Oxford United and to make it clear that this change does not in any way reflect on his performance or capability as head coach." He added that the new structure bodes well for the club's future ambitions. Lenagan and Eales, who will become chairman, now each hold more than 30% of the shares in Oxford United Ltd, but both with less than 50%. Former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper and director Mark Ashton will become chief executive, having previously held similar roles at Watford and Wycombe. Ashton also had a spell as a director with the Baggies at a time when Appleton was with the club as a player. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28163679 Great player all those years ago and I'd suggest that this time his sacking was very harsh, but the new owner wants his own man.
No matter what we think of such sackings I'm sure all managers treat the sack as an 'occupational hazard', probably over 80% of managers are sacked and even Sir Alex got the tin-tack from St Mirren of all clubs!...
Cant say I am surprised to be honest. When he went into the club in March Oxford looked set for a play-off place, but they missed out after a dreadful run of form under him.
