Oxford chairman backs Rowett to 'fix' inconsistency

Gary Rowett's side have won just three league games all season

Oxford United chairman Grant Ferguson has admitted his "frustration" at a lack of consistency this season - but is backing head coach Gary Rowett to "fix" things and turn their fortunes around.

The U's have had a tough start to the Championship campaign and sit 21st in the table - just one spot above the relegation zone.

Oxford have only won three games all season, drawing four times and losing eight, and are just three points above the bottom three.

This is the Yellows' second successive season in the second tier having narrowly survived last campaign, finishing four points clear of the relegation places.

"This season the league has reaffirmed what we knew - that it is incredibly tough and competitive," Ferguson told BBC Radio Oxford.

"I've actually been happy that in most games we have demonstrated periods of quality and ability where we have looked as if we can go head-to-head with most teams in the league.

"I think the frustration we all feel, including the players and management, is that we have struggled to keep that consistency within games and from one to another.

"But I know Gary and (head of football operations) Ed Waldron have been looking at factors that have been contributing to that and I'm sure we'll fix it - and when we do, we'll start picking up some more points."

Last season, Oxford ended up parting company with previous boss Des Buckingham in December after a poor start following promotion from League One.

Buckingham, now head coach of Saudi Pro League club Al-Kholood was removed from his position after dropping within a point of the bottom three just before Christmas.

Rowett has begun to come under some external pressure with Oxford dangerously close to the bottom three after just one win and three losses in their past five matches.

The U's have won just once in the league at the Kassam all season, with their other two victories in the Championship coming on the road.

But Ferguson was keen to outline how strong a working relationship he and the board have developed with the head coach.

"It's excellent working with Gary," Ferguson added.

"He's very engaging and is a real team player, he has a huge amount of experience and knowledge and is very happy to contribute that.

"It's great to have him around the building and generally he is a great guy to go and have a beer and a burger with, it's a really easy working relationship."