GREG Leigh says his Oxford United teammates are feeling optimistic about the appointment of Gary Rowett as head coach.
Rowett succeeded Des Buckingham on Friday, and watched from the stands as the U’s slumped to a 4-0 loss at Leeds United.
Dan James gave the Whites a first half lead, before three goals in 16 minutes from Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson and Manor Solomon killed off United.
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Leigh said: “It’s been a tough week and a tough end to the week. A lot has happened and there’s been a lot of change, and a lot of new things that we’re going to have to start getting used to.
“It’s not an ideal fixture with regards to the week. We knew it was going to be tough, and it was.
“All we can do is pick ourselves up and almost use it as a fresh start, and look at what we need to improve on, and work from there.
“We know the games that we have to win. Ideally you’d like to do it at a place like this.
“A lot of teams will come here and not get results. They’re second in the league for a reason, and as much as you want to show what you can do, there’s a time and a place to do it.
“It would’ve been ideal if we could’ve done it, but we weren’t able to. That was unfortunate.
“We’ll see the manager on Monday and go from there to show what we can do as individuals and as a team.”
Leigh added: “I don’t think there’s a lack of belief that we can pick up points against teams in and around us, and even in mid-table.
“When you’re coming here, you’d love to come to Leeds and get a result, but how realistic is that?
“How many teams do it is minimal. I don’t think there is too much of a lack of belief, but at the end of the day, there’s a new manager coming in with a fresh start.
“I think a lot of the lads are looking forward to that, especially some of the lads who haven’t been playing week in and week out, to show what they can do, and for the lads that have been playing to show they deserve the shirt.
“With the appointment, I think a lot of the lads are feeling optimistic. At the end of the day, it’s a manager with a lot of experience.
“The players will be looking forward to having someone who’s been in and around it to lead us into the direction that hopefully is positive for the club.”