Oxford United eye ex-Newcastle United boss to replace Gary Rowett | OneFootball

Former Oxford United boss Mick Brown has claimed that Steve Bruce is a candidate to succeed Gary Rowett at the struggling Championship club.

Steve Bruce is thought to be a name in the frame for the vacant Oxford United job following Gary Rowett’s dismissal last week.

The U’s have had a tough campaign so far, and a run of one win in ten games saw the hierarchy make the decision to sack Rowett, with the team in the relegation zone at that moment.

An impressive win over Southampton under caretaker Craig Short saw Oxford climb out of the bottom three on Boxing Day, but their loss to Swansea on Monday night, combined with Portsmouth’s victory over Charlton, means the U’s are now three points from safety.

Steve Bruce emerges as a contender for the Oxford United job

So, those making the decisions at Oxford are set for a crucial call as they look to bring in a new boss, and a host of names have already been linked with the role, including John O’Shea and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in recent days.

Yet, former U’s chief Mick Brown has told Football Insider that he has been told that Bruce is another option for the Championship strugglers.

The 64-year-old will need no introduction to fans of English football, as has been in charge of Wigan, Hull, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, among a host of other clubs over the years.

That experience could appeal to Oxford given their precarious position, but Bruce’s most recent job will be a concern, as he had struggled with Blackpool.

The League One side sacked Bruce at the start of October, at a time when they were second from bottom in the third tier, with Ian Evatt named as his replacement, and the former player has inspired a turnaround at Bloomfield Road.

Oxford United appointing Steve Bruce would be a real gamble

You can understand why Oxford may want to go for someone experienced, as they are in a relegation battle, so turning to someone who has managed over 1,000 games, and has seen it all in the game, would make sense.

But, Bruce’s struggles with Blackpool would be a major concern, and the reality is that Oxford should still be making an appointment with the long-term in mind.

Even if they are in the relegation zone, there’s still 22 games to play, as well as the January window, so a new manager should be able to get their ideas across.

It’s hard to think that Bruce will be a serious contender, but the Oxford board are right to look at all different options at this stage.

Nevertheless, the results on Monday night have increased the need for a swift decision, and things don’t get any easier for Oxford, as their next two games are away at Ipswich and Sheffield United.