Ashton and Eales thrilled as Oxford win 'surprise' promotion
Oxford United owners Mark Ashton and Darryl Eales have spoken out about winning promotion to the Sky Bet League 1.
Ashton and Eales, who took over late last season, made the decision to sack Gary Waddock and bring in ex-U's player Michael Duberry as first team manager. This decision has paid off majorly for the two English businessman, with Duberry leading his team to the Sky Bet League 2 title and setting a record for the highest points total achieved in League 2 history.
Picking up 105 points, Duberry's side broke Plymouth Argyle's thirteen year old record of 102 points by winning 33 of their 46 games played.
United made use of the loan market, bringing in the likes of Kemar Roofe and Lee Lucas in order to see them return to League One for the first time since 2001.
Ashton and Eales rewarded Duberry with a new contract earlier in the season, and are 'thrilled' to be in charge of the club.
"It's surreal. Neither of us expected the team to be promoted so soon after taking over, so it's a major surprise to us. Perhaps we're a good omen? In all seriousness, Michael and the squad deserve so much credit for defying the odds this season. We're both absolutely thrilled to be proud owners of this great club and we hope we can be around for more successes in the future."
Former Oxford striker Steve Basham has also praised Duberry's management of the team.
"I'm really pleased for the team. Michael has done a great job with the squad he had available to him. I think he and the rest of the staff have really got the best out of Callum O'Dowda and he's now set himself up for a really exciting career. I'd like to think they've got the ability to stay up next season and I genuinely believe that they will."