Oxford don't listen to 'outside noise' - Hackett

Chris Hackett coached at Oxford under Gary Rowett and Des Buckingham

Oxford United first-team coach Chris Hackett has said the club "don't pay much attention to outside noise" they might struggle this season.

The U's currently sit third from bottom in the Championship and are yet to win a game.

But after three consecutive league defeats their last two matches, against Coventry and Leicester, ended in draws.

"The Championship is a relentless league," Hackett told BBC Sport.

"For a club like us in this league we have to stick together and stay positive, that is the main thing."

Hackett is currently a member of Gary Rowett's first-team coaching staff and was previously involved with Des Buckingham's coaching group.

After winning the League One play-offs in 2024, the U's managed to achieve Championship safety last season in late April, finishing four points clear of the bottom three.

Some have suggested that Oxford might struggle to survive this season after a slow start and such a close call last campaign.

"We have a really positive group of players and staff at the club," Hackett added.

"Everybody doubted us in the League One play-offs and everyone doubted that we'd stay up last season.

"But in-house we have a strong group and bond as well as a great group of staff. Regardless of the outside noise we crack on with our work and we don't pay much attention to the talk.

"Gary [Rowett] has brought a real positive culture within the staff and the club and we're driving things forward here. We'll be a in a really positive place in a few years' time because there is some real positive noise right now."