Des Buckingham, head coach of Oxford United, who guided the team to promotion from League One last season, has expressed that the club is enjoying its return to the Championship, where they are battling against expectations. The U’s are competing in the second tier for the first time since 1999 and are currently positioned 16th as they get ready to face Watford on Friday. Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Buckingham remarked, “I’m extremely proud of everything that’s going on at this club at the moment – we are the probably the smallest club in this league but that’s not something we’re embarrassed about, it’s something we embrace and makes us what we are.” He continued, “We’re in a very strong spot – we were tipped to finish rock bottom of this league and we’ve shown we can compete.” While Oxford has not secured an away victory this season, the team recently broke an eight-game winless streak by defeating Hull City at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday. Buckingham further commented, “We haven’t won away from home yet but that will change at some point and Friday gives us a chance to do that before the break.” He added, “They’re the strongest team at home in the league at the moment but we’ll go with a plan to try to come away with something.” Live text commentary for the match between Watford and Oxford United will be accessible on the BBC Sport website and app, commencing at 19:45 GMT. Post navigation Ipswich Town Unveils Training Ground Redevelopment Plans Manchester United’s Season: What’s Being Overlooked?