Oxford United: Gary Rowett in advanced talks to succeed Des Buckingham | OneFootball

The former Derby County and Stoke City manager has been without a permanent job since leaving Millwall in October 2023.

Gary Rowett is in advanced talks to become the new manager of Oxford United after they sacked Des Buckingham on Sunday.

That's according to The Telegraph's John Percy, who reported on X that the former Derby County and Stoke City boss is in pole position to take over the helm at the Kassam Stadium.

The 50-year-old has been out of full-time management since October 2023, when he left Millwall by mutual consent, before taking interim charge of Birmingham City at the end of last season after Tony Mowbray was forced to take leave due to illness.

Rowett leads the way for Oxford job

Oxford have not taken long to start looking for a new manager after making the shock decision at the weekend to let go of the manager who helped them win promotion to the Championship, amid a lot of scrutiny aimed at the club's hierarchy.

Rowett has been established as the front-runner for the role, with his experience in the division one of the greatest reasons behind the interest.

He has managed nearly 400 games in the division, and finished sixth in the 2017/18 campaign with Derby, his highest league position to date, before leaving the Rams for Stoke. He struggled in Staffordshire, and was sacked with the club 13th in the league.

Following that, he moved to Millwall, spending four years at The Den, missing out on the top six narrowly on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign, ultimately finishing eighth.

With talks already at an advanced stage, there is a desire from Oxford to get a deal done quickly, potentially ahead of their clash with Leeds United on Saturday at Elland Road, a game that will not be a gentle introduction for Rowett.

Improving form will be a challenge for Rowett

The Yellows are on a poor run at the moment, and they have won just one of their last 15 Championship games after a strong start to life back in the second tier.

They are now just a point ahead of the relegation zone in 20th, and could be bottom by the time the weekend is over with 24th place Hull City facing Swansea City on Saturday.

Oxford have to find a way to turn their form around before they are swallowed up by the chasing pack, and with others around them improving, this will be a difficult task.

Rowett will be given the full January transfer window if he is hired now, which is potentially a reason why the decision was made to terminate the contract of Buckingham, but there will be a lot of pressure on the incoming manager to make an impact due to their former boss' popularity.