IT is amazing to think that David Oldfield achieved so much at Oxford City in just nine months of football.

March would have marked two years at Court Place Farm, but that time has been punctuated by two coronavirus-enforced breaks.

Read also: David Oldfield leaves Oxford City for Weymouth 

It is why Saturday’s defeat to Billericay Town, in what proved his final game for Oxford City, was only his 50th in charge of the club.

That was only the 11th loss Oldfield experienced with the Vanarama National League South outfit and that includes Emirates FA Cup and Buildbase FA Trophy exits to higher-division teams.

The former Oxford United player guided City to fourth in two half-seasons – it is just a shame we did not get to see what he could do in a full campaign.

The Court Place Farm outfit do not have the biggest budget in National League South and after five mid-table finishes, Oldfield had them competing towards the top of the table throughout his time in charge.

He will have to exceed expectations again at Weymouth, who are five points off safety in the Vanarama National League after back-to-back promotions between 2018 and 2020.

Oldfield told the Dorset Echo: “There are some very big budgets and big clubs in the league.

“Weymouth did fabulously to be here and we need to make sure we’re doing all we can to retain that status.

“It’s a massive challenge, but we need to make sure everybody’s engaged. We can do it.”

You would back Weymouth to give it a good go, having seen City go toe-to-toe with bigger clubs.

The highlight was undoubtedly the 2-1 FA Cup first round win over Northampton Town in November 2020, when the only thing missing was the fans.

Against another Sky Bet League One side, Shrewsbury Town, City then came so close to reaching their first third round draw – only to lose in extra time.

That was their last loss for three months as they went on a 12-match unbeaten run, going further than ever in the Trophy in the process.

Another 12-game unbeaten run in National League South followed earlier this season and the Boxing Day win over Slough Town was a fitting final three points for Oldfield.

City were watched by 1,208 fans, a record for a competitive match, and they certainly got value for money with a thrilling 3-2 victory that included Elliot Benyon’s stunning goal.

Their form has slipped since then, but it certainly showed how far the club have come.

City are doing some great work on and off the pitch throughout the club, so hopefully Oldfield’s exit will not hit them too hard.

But it is certainly crucial that they get their next appointment right.