Favourites to become new Oxford United manager after confirming Gary Rowett’s departure

We look at the favourites to become new Oxford United manager after confirming Gary Rowett’s departure from the club.

His exit comes following a 1-0 defeat to Charlton, which sees the U’s sitting in the drop zone, with 19 points from 22 games played, two points from safety, but sides above them (Portsmouth and Blackburn) have a game in hand. Oxford also have just one win in 10 games.

Rowett took over from Des Buckingham just over a year ago, and is thanked by fans for coming in and going on the incredible run which proved enough to secure safety in what was the club’s first season in the second tier in 25 years.

Oxford United can confirm that Gary Rowett has left his role as Men’s First Team Head Coach.

The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Gary for his contribution to the Football Club.https://t.co/vttxpQKyO9 pic.twitter.com/pvBb6BuM46

— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) December 23, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

Oxford United can confirm the departure of Gary Rowett as Men’s First Team Head Coach. Assistant Head Coach, Mark Sale, has also left the Club.

Gary was appointed in December 2024 and helped secure Championship safety in the Club’s first season at this level in 25 years.

Chairman, Grant Ferguson, said: “Gary joined during a challenging period and deserves immense credit for the hard work and leadership that saw us retain our Championship status last season.

“However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take this difficult decision in the best interests of the Club.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to place on record our thanks to Gary and Mark for their contribution to the Football Club and to wish them all the best for the future.”

The process to appoint a new Head Coach is already underway and the Club will provide an update in due course.

In the interim, Craig Short will lead First Team preparations alongside Chris Hackett and Lewis Price.

Gary Rowett admits struggling Oxford ‘need help’ after boos from fans in 1-0 defeat to Charlton

FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW OXFORD MANAGER:

As per BetVictor – 1 Jan
Alan Sheehan – 2/5
Tony Mowbray – 4/1
Matt Bloomfield – 5/1
Liam Manning – 6/1
John O’Shea – 8/1
Paddy McCarthy – 8/1
Michael Beale – 12/1

Here’s how fans reacted amid the favourites to become new Oxford United manager after confirming Gary Rowett’s departure…

@CalcioOUFC: Ouch!! Really liked Rowett, came across as extremely genuine & understanding of the club & his position within it. He certainly wasn’t backed with the quality of players he needed compared to other teams in this division. He’s taken a fall rightly despite being let down #OUFC

@mincerrr10: Whoever the next manager is to come in has to be backed in January #OUFC

@bartonw30: we’ve not had a manager for a full season since 21/22 btw #oufc

@GeorgeElek: Blimey. It’s never a dull Christmas at Oxford. I’ve been a supporter of his but some decision making in the last couple of weeks has been perplexing to say the least. No point going for another Rowett now #oufc

@ConCowan9: Michael Skubala’s Yellow Army has a serious ring to it #oufc

@priestyboyy: Phew, the news we needed. Will thank him for keeping us up last season but I’ve never seen us look so inept under his reign this season. Time to kick on now, can’t appoint another Rowett type, have to go polar opposite now surely? #oufc

@G_Lock75: Deserves a lot of credit for the job he did last season, but this season just hasn’t hit the levels. Now we ‘just’ need to find someone to come in and have the same impact Gary did last season!

@mintygreen2: No way would we be a championship side now without what you did last season thank you Gary and I hope you look back on your time with us with fondness

@oufc_adam: Thanks Gary for your efforts. Great job keeping us up last season, but unfortunately not happened this season at all.

@snellgrove97: Did a brilliant job last season and deserves unlimited credit for keeping us up. Results based business and this season been nowhere near good enough. Big call by the board, even bigger call with who they bring in

@oxfharry: Did an amazing job last season and will never think badly of him due to that or begrudge him for this season but a change was needed. Best of luck in the future 💛

@Piggywwop: Thank you GR. Last year’s heroics were down to your experience and produced some incredible memories to cherish. Best of luck for the future 💛

@IsaacOUFC: He did a great job last season, but this season just hasn’t been good enough. Thank you for last season Gary, all the best 💛

@RichOUFC: No clue who we would be looking at as next manager but I really hope it’s someone who plays attacking football and entertains. #oufc

@oufc_adam: Think the board has made the right decision. Did well to keep us up last season, but in his last interview seemed like he was begging to be sacked. Good luck for the future Gary

@Rollsyoufc: Liam Mannings Yellow Army…

@benjames1996: Served his purpose, thank him, wish him luck now move on and save the season.

@NathanielOUFC: Not sure anyone keeps us up imo

@JensonWheatley: Appreciate everything he did last season but he had to go now let’s get someone good in and try and save this season #COYY

@Ricardo1994oufc: Time to turn things around now!

@GeorgeHogg93: Well, we got our Christmas present Yellows. To be fair, it’s a shame that Gary only lasted a whole year, but at the end of the day, football is a results business. Best of luck Gary, and thank you #oufc 💙💛

@HarryCallaghan_: I don’t think even one good window is enough to keep us up but I am very excited at the thought we might get a manager who can get these players putting 3 passes together and potentially scoring from open play #OUFC

@mickyh01: Strange one this, you knew what you were getting with him, yes the football is garbage ,but they would have had a good chance of staying up. Don’t fancy their chances now tbf

@TownsendJon80: The right decision, get someone in asap so he’s got January transfer window, the board must have a good idea who they want!, I’d like to see Gary O’Neil in charge next.

@gabrielbeech5: Deserved really with the results over the last couple of weeks and months. Did a miraculous job to keep us up last season and will be forever grateful for that. Next managerial appointment needs to be bang on no time for any fucking about with it. #OUFC

I find it very hard to believe that, in their situation & on their resources, Oxford United will find a better man for the job than Gary Rowett. Always believed he’s a good manager. Success is relative. https://t.co/IltTeNKYdO

— Alan Biggs (@AlanBiggs1) December 23, 2025