There have been some big names and potential rumours flying around about the vacant Oxford United manager role.
Gary Rowett was dismissed from his role just before Christmas and the U’s are in search of a successor.
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John Terry, John O’Shea and Liam Manning: Those Linked With Oxford United Manager Role
Michael Beale
Former Sunderland and Rangers head coach Michael Beale was the first to be linked with the role.
Alan Nixon, who had previously claimed Grant McCann had been appointed as the new manager before the U’s announced Gary Rowett, suggested that Beale was “in the frame” for the job.
The 45-year-old had a good spell at QPR but left to join Scottish giants, Rangers, where he was previously an assistant to Steven Gerrard, before moving to Sunderland where he lasted just 12 games.
Liam Manning
Former U’s head coach Liam Manning was the next to be linked after topping the betting odds early doors.
Manning guided Oxford to League One safety following Karl Robinson’s dismissal before a sensational start to the following campaign, but he left unceremoniously to join Bristol City in the Championship.
Oxford would secure promotion under Des Buckingham but Manning’s reputation among the U’s fans was in tatters.
However, it is understood that he isn’t currently considering a job after his recent sacking from Norwich, who he only joined in the summer.
Craig Short
Caretaker boss Craig Short played down the opportunity of taking the role himself after the Boxing Day win over Southampton.
It’s the third time that he has overseen the short-term job but has remained at the club with the arrival of each new respective head coach.
Speaking after the game against the Saints, he said: “I’m here to just do what I do and try and grab a few points, and this has been a huge step for us today. It’s put some confidence back in the lads as well as the three points.”
John Terry
A surprise inclusion, former Chelsea and England defender John Terry emerged as a candidate to take the role.
Working with the Chelsea academy, Terry quickly quashed the rumours with a message from his TikTok account.
He said: “I just want to talk about me being linked with the Oxford job.
“I’m not sure where these rumours come from, I’m certainly not on the lookout for a job.
“I’ve spoke about how much I love my role at Chelsea in the academy, working with the players in the progression from youth team to reserves to the first team, and the involvement I have in that.
“Certainly not approached Oxford, I’ve not spoken to anybody at all. So just want to completely rule myself out of it.
“I wish Oxford and whoever goes in as manager all the very best, but it certainly won’t be me.”
John O’Shea
There were then a trio of names announced with The i Paper Sport claiming John O’Shea, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Matt Bloomfield were linked.
O’Shea is yet to be spoken to by the Oxford hierarchy but he has a positive reputation as part of the Republic of Ireland backroom staff.
The report adds that the former Manchester United defender is keen to test himself in club management.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Another to have shown interest is former Burton head coach, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The former Chelsea striker, who was a part of Gareth Southgate’s coaching staff for Euro 2024, has expressed an interest in the role after his last club job ended in 2022.
The Dutchman is currently employed as a coach with the Suriname national side.
Matt Bloomfield
The final head coach named by The i Paper Sport was former Wycombe and Luton boss, Matt Bloomfield.
The report suggests that the 41-year-old has been spoken to by the Oxford board.
Bloomfield left Wycombe in the League One promotion places to join the Hatters but failed to maintain their second-tier status before being sacked in October and replaced by Jack Wilshere.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Focus Images
