Former League of Ireland top scorer Patrick Hoban has signed a one month loan deal with League Two club Stevenage, but he'll miss out on linking up with Teddy Sheringham as the former Manchester United and England striker has been sacked as the club's manager.
The Loughrea native joined Oxford from League of Ireland champions Dundalk a little over a year ago, after netting 34 goals in 30 games, but he has so far failed to rediscover that form in England.
Hoban has had some injury problems to contend with, but has managed only five goals in 43 appearances, albeit he only started 17 of those games for the team currently in third place in League Two.
The 24-year-old joins Stevenage on an initial one month deal, with Oxford manager Michael Appleton saying - “Pat has done well, but for one reason or another he has not been able to get a run of games. It makes sense for him to go out, play matches at Stevenage and hopefully get a few goals as well.”
Meanwhile Stevenage have sacked their manager Sheringham with the club currently in 19th place in League Two.
The former England striker replaced Graham Westley at the club in the summer but leaves with them eight points above the relegation zone having picked up only three points from their last eight matches.
“Teddy has had the worst luck I’ve seen in the 16 years I’ve owned the football club,” said chairman Phil Wallace in a statement.
“Normally we’d have one or two major ops on key players in a season but we’ve had more this season than the last three combined.
“You also occasionally lose points in the last few minutes of games but we’ve been in this situation in four of the last eight matches. However, we are where we are and the club have to make a change.
“Teddy came in having to work on a lower budget than we’ve had before and the lack of available funds has made it difficult to get the players he’d like. He’s given it his all but it hasn’t worked and now we have to thank him for his efforts and move on.”
That statement added first team coach Darren Sarll will take over as caretaker manager while the club “consider their options”.
