Oxford United confirm Pep Clotet as new manager
Saturday 1 July 2017 08:11, UK
Oxford United have confirmed the appointment of Pep Clotet as their new manager.
Barcelona-born Clotet makes the move to the Kassam Stadium following a spell as assistant head coach at Leeds United, where he worked under Garry Monk for a second spell having also done so at Swansea.
Clotet previously coached in his native Spain, as well as Sweden and Norway, and the 40-year-old now takes over from Michael Appleton after he left to become assistant manager at Leicester.
"I am delighted that Pep has chosen to launch his managerial career at Oxford United," chairman Darryl Eales told the club's official website.
"It is an appointment that demonstrates our growing reputation within football as a forward-looking and ambitious club.
"Pep is a proven coach, progressive and hugely knowledgeable, and I believe we are fortunate to have attracted such a highly-regarded individual who is destined for an outstanding managerial career.
"Pep was the unanimous choice of the board and we believe he will build on the significant progress we have made over the past three years and accelerate our collective objective of sustainable Championship status.
"He is committed to building on our existing infrastructure, based on our excellent coaching and backroom and recruitment team and continuing to develop our attractive playing philosophy.
"I am sure everyone associated with the club will join me in wishing Pep every success in his new role and will give him the 100 per cent support he deserves as we look forward to another exciting and successful campaign."
Clotet declared himself delighted to be taking on the role.
"I'm really thrilled to be embarking on this new challenge at a club as ambitious as Oxford United," he said.
"It's an exciting prospect and I'll be giving my all to ensure that as a team, and with the fans' support, we go on and achieve the targets we set ourselves.
"Right from the first time I spoke to the club, we were very much in tune about the challenges and opportunities here, which is what led me to realise that this was the right move in my career. I will be working very hard to ensure their faith is repaid."
Oxford finished eighth in Sky Bet League One last season, four points adrift of the play-offs, and were beaten by Coventry at Wembley in the final of the Checkatrade Trophy.
