Sale in as Oxford's assistant head coach

Prior to Boxing Day's game against Cardiff City, Oxford United announced the appointment of Mark Sale as assistant head coach to new boss Gary Rowett.

The former Birmingham, Preston, Mansfield and Colchester striker was in the dugout for Oxford's 3-2 win over the Bluebirds at the Kassam Stadium.

"There wasn't too much thought in my mind when Gary asked if I would come in with him," Sale told the club website.

"There's a really good group of players in the building and I've enjoyed meeting them and the staff over the first few days.

"The Championship is a tough and competitive league, but we have come in as we see a group who have what it takes to achieve at this level.

"Gary has a clear way that he wants to work and it's my job to help him get that message across and ensure we try and uphold a positive environment in the training ground."

Sale has previously worked alongside Rowett at Burton Albion, Birmingham City, Derby County and Stoke City in the same role.

"Mark is someone I've worked with right back at the start," Rowett said.

"I've known him for an awful long time, and I actually played with him many moons ago.

"It's important you've got people who understand how you work, and we need to hit the ground running."

The U's are next in action on Sunday when they host Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle.