Derby caretaker Matt Hamshaw eyes crucial win vs Oxford United

When Matt Hamshaw, First Team Coach of Derby County stepped in as caretaker after Paul Warne quit, the stakes could not have been higher. The upcoming clash against Oxford United at Pride Park Stadium was billed as a "massive, massive game" – a phrase Hamshaw repeated in his RamsTV interview. Derby sat 21st in the Sky Bet Championship, three points clear of the drop zone, and needed a win to turn a narrow 1‑1 draw at Norwich into genuine momentum.

Why the match mattered to Derby County

Derby County's season had been a roller‑coaster. After a disastrous run of seven straight defeats, a 1‑1 stalemate at Norwich on February 7, 2025 finally halted the slide. That point lifted them to 43 points from 42 games, tightening the goal difference to –10. Yet the table remained a minefield: Cardiff City clung to 22nd place with –21 and 42 points, while Stoke City, Portsmouth and Hull City were all within a five‑point band. In short, a slip‑up against Oxford could have sent Derby spiralling back into relegation danger.

Oxford United’s recent form

Across the border in Oxford, Oxford United arrived in Derby after a 1‑0 loss at Burnley on February 11, 2025. Their Championship campaign had been punctuated by just one away win – a New Year’s Day triumph at Millwall – and two draws. Manager Gary Rowett, a recent appointment, faced the task of stopping a dip that could see his side slip toward the lower half of the table.

Key players to watch

For Derby, the midfield battle would be pivotal. Hamshaw, a former midfielder himself, hinted that his own experience would shape the tactical approach. He promised a “front‑foot” style, looking to press high and force errors. On the opposition side, youngster Alex Matos earned his first start against Burnley and was expected to line up again. Matos brings pace on the wing, and his recent form has been a talking point among the Rams’ supporters.

Historical backdrop of the fixture

This isn’t the first time the two clubs have met in the second tier. Earlier in the 2024/25 season, the teams shared a 1‑1 draw at the Kassam Stadium. The previous year, when both were still in League One, Oxford knocked Derby out with a 2‑1 win at Pride Park, courtesy of a brace from Mark Harris. Those memories add a layer of rivalry that fans on both sides relish.

Hamshaw’s caretaker statistics and future move

Hamshaw’s interim spell at Derby lasted from February 7 to February 13, 2025. In two matches he recorded two draws – a 0 % win rate, but an unbeaten run that kept the club afloat. The short tenure was enough to catch the eye of Rotherham United. On April 15, 2025 he signed a three‑year contract at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, becoming the 32nd manager in the club’s history. By October 11, 2025 his record at Rotherham stood at 23 games, 8 wins, 5 draws and 10 losses – a win percentage of 34.78 %.

What a win would mean for Derby

Securing three points against Oxford would push Derby to 46 points, widening the gap to the relegation zone to six points with eight games remaining. It would also restore some belief after a season that has felt like a marathon through a fog. Fans, who have endured chants of "is this the end?" since the start of the losing streak, could finally hear optimism echoing around the North Stand.

Broader implications for the Championship

The result could ripple across the league. A victory would likely see Stoke City or Portsmouth feel pressure to tighten their own games. Conversely, a drop‑point for Derby might embolden Cardiff City as they chase safety. In a division where a single goal can shift the entire mid‑table landscape, every match feels like a mini‑final.

What comes next?

Regardless of the outcome, Derby will soon face another gauntlet – a home clash with Hull City on February 20. That fixture will test whether the positivity Hamshaw spoke of can be translated into consistent performances. Meanwhile, Gary Rowett will be looking to bounce back, perhaps tweaking his lineup after the Burnley setback.