Oxford United manager search news: Steve Bruce, John O'Shea, John Terry stance | OneFootball

All the latest news surrounding Oxford United's search for a new manager

Oxford United are at risk of suffering relegation back to League One this season unless they can turn around their form.

Gary Rowett oversaw the first half of the campaign, but he has been sacked as a result of their poor form.

The 51-year-old was in charge for almost exactly a year before being dismissed, leaving the team inside the relegation zone in the Championship.

The U’s will be keen to make a swift appointment to replace him, particularly with the January transfer window now open, meaning a new coach could use the market to make changes to the first team squad.

Here we look at all the latest news surrounding Oxford United’s search for a permanent replacement to Rowett…

Steve Bruce in contention

Former Blackpool manager Steve Bruce is currently out of work after leaving the Seasiders earlier this season following a poor start to the campaign.

However, it’s been reported by Football Insider that the 65-year-old is in contention to replace Rowett at the Kassam Stadium.

Former scout Mick Brown has claimed that the coach’s name has been brought up as a possibility, as the Championship side seek someone that can help the club out of the relegation zone.

But it also remains to be seen whether Bruce would be ready for a return to management already, having been sacked in October by Blackpool.

John O’Shea and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink interest

Two other names that have been mentioned are John O’Shea and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

According to iNews, the two coaches have shown an interest in taking over the second division side following Rowett’s dismissal in late December.

Matt Bloomfield is also among the candidates to take over the U’s at this stage, with the former Luton Town boss currently out of work.

O’Shea is a part of the Ireland coaching setup, with the team still in contention for a place in this summer’s World Cup, while Hasselbaink is a part of the Suriname national team’s coaching staff.

Timeline given for Oxford United managerial appointment

It’s been reported by iNews that no decision is yet imminent on who will replace Rowett at Oxford United on a permanent basis.

Craig Short is currently overseeing the first team squad on an interim basis, and he may get several games in charge, as the club conducts a thorough interview process.

It’s believed that O’Shea could emerge as a leading contender due to the reputation he’s earned as a promising coach as part of his work with the Ireland national team.

With the transfer window set to close on 2 February, the U’s will surely want someone in charge before then, but no set date has been given for when an appointment could be confirmed.

John Terry sets Oxford United stance

John Terry will not be taking over Oxford United despite being linked with the role.

The former centre-back is currently working at underage level at Chelsea, and he has confirmed that he is happy to remain in that role.

The 45-year-old posted on his personal Tiktok account that he has no interest in the position at the Kassam Stadium at this time.