John O’Shea and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink keen on Oxford United opportunity | OneFootball

John O'Shea and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink have shown an interest in the vacant Oxford United managerial job.

John O’Shea and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are among those in the frame for the Oxford United job after Gary Rowett’s dismissal last week, with the Irishman seen as a ‘leading contender’.

The U’s have had a difficult campaign so far, with the hierarchy making the decision to sack Rowett before Christmas when the team were in the relegation zone having won one game in ten.

Craig Short took over on an interim basis, and he led the team to a massive 2-1 win at home to Southampton on Boxing Day, a result which moves Oxford out of the relegation zone ahead of tonight’s crucial game at home to Swansea City.

Oxford United managerial latest as they look for Gary Rowett’s successor

So, the focus for the club will be on the game, but owner Erick Thohir and key figures at the club are well into the process of naming the new boss.

And, in a fresh development, iNews has revealed that O’Shea is now seen as a frontrunner for the vacancy. They explain that the Ireland coach has expressed an interest in the role, and whilst no talks have taken place with O’Shea at the moment, they explain that he could quickly become a ‘leading contender’.

Elsewhere, the update states that Hasselbaink is keen on the job, although he is seen as ‘more of an outsider’. Meanwhile, the report claims that Matt Bloomfield, who is out of work since leaving Luton, has held talks with Oxford about the job.

However, it’s said that no decision is imminent, with Short set to be in the dugout later on, and with away games at Ipswich and Sheffield United in the next week, it seems he could remain in place for those as well.

Oxford United must get this managerial appointment right as they battle to stay in the Championship

Obviously, Oxford are in a very difficult position, so it goes without saying that there is major pressure on the hierarchy to get this decision right.

It was a brave call to sack Rowett, as he is tried and tested at this level, but the run of form was concerning, and it’s now about finding the right replacement.

There is quality in the U’s squad, as they proved against Southampton, and it’s no surprise that a Championship job will prove to be a very attractive one out there.

As with virtually all candidates, there are pros and cons to whether it will work, and with O’Shea, his lack of experience is the major red flag as he will be taking over at a time when instant results are needed. So, it will be intriguing to see who the club will appoint at such a critical point of the season.