Oxford United have taken the brutal decision to sack manager Gary Rowett and his assistant Mark Sale, casting a shadow over the festive period at the Kassam Stadium.
A Sudden End After a Disappointing Run
The club confirmed the departure of the 51-year-old, who is from Worcestershire, on Monday, 23rd December 2025. Rowett was brought in last season to replace Des Buckingham and successfully guided Oxford to safety in the Championship. However, the current campaign has been a struggle, with the team languishing in the bottom three alongside Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City after a poor run of results.
Oxford chairman Grant Ferguson addressed the dismissal on the club's official website. "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," Ferguson stated. "However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take this difficult decision in the best interests of the Club." The board thanked both Rowett and Sale for their contribution.
Rowett's History and Oxford's Immediate Future
Gary Rowett is a familiar name in the Midlands, having managed Birmingham City in two separate spells. His first tenure from 2014 to 2016 saw him win 39.6% of his matches. He returned as interim manager in March 2024 but could not prevent the Blues' relegation to League One. His managerial career also includes stints at Burton Albion, Derby County, Stoke City, and Millwall.
For now, Craig Short has been placed in caretaker charge, assisted by Chris Hackett and Lewis Price. The immediate focus is a tough Boxing Day fixture at home to Southampton, following a 1-0 loss to Charlton Athletic. The U's are currently three points from safety, with Portsmouth sitting just above the drop zone in 21st place.
Search Begins for a New Manager
The search for a permanent successor is already underway, with several names linked to the vacancy. According to reports, Liam Manning has emerged as an early favourite. Manning, who left Oxford for Bristol City in 2023, is currently unattached after recently being dismissed by Norwich City.
Other available managers include Alan Sheehan and Will Still, following their exits from Swansea City and Southampton respectively. The club may also look to League One, where bosses like Alex Revell, Brian Barry-Murphy, Michael Skubala, Graham Alexander, and Dave Challinor are attracting attention for their work.
The decision leaves Oxford United at a critical juncture in their season, hoping a new managerial appointment can spark a revival and secure their second-tier status.
