Oxford United next manager: John Terry update on replacing Gary Rowett
John Terry is unlikely to be named as the next Oxford United manager despite speculation linking him with the role after Gary Rowett’s dismissal.
That is according to former Oxford United manager Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at his previous club, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Terry is reluctant to step into the role as a result of their lowly Championship position.
The U’s sit 21st in the table after 23 games played, with just five league wins all season and only goal difference keeping them out of the relegation zone.
Rowett was dismissed following a dismal run with just one win from their last ten games, kicking off speculation about his potential replacement.
While the decision to part ways with an experienced campaigner has been questioned, Oxford United hope their next appointment can spark a revival.
John Terry in contention to land Oxford United job
Terry has cut his teeth as the assistant manager and coach at Aston Villa and Leicester respectively under Dean Smith, before taking a role in the Chelsea academy.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside elite-level managers including the likes of Ron Atkinson and Sir Alex Ferguson, insisted that Terry is happy in his current role at Stamford Bridge and would only leave for the right opportunity.
“From what I hear, John Terry is perfectly happy doing what he’s doing,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s not in any rush to leave Chelsea at the moment, but he might get an offer that tempts him into more of a major full-time management role.
“Unfortunately, I’m not sure the Oxford United job at the bottom of the Championship table is going to be the one to tempt him.
“I know they’re looking at a few options for the position, and it was a surprise to me that they sacked Gary Rowett to begin with because he’s not done a bad job.
“But the position they’re in, they think they need a change. I’m just not sure Terry will be interested.”
Oxford United assessing Terry alternatives
Terry is not the only name on The U’s shortlist of managerial targets, with a number of high-profile names being discussed behind the scenes at the Kassam Stadium.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 23 December that Liam Manning is in the running for a return to Oxford United, having left the club in 2023.
The 40-year-old has since had spells with Bristol City and more recently at Norwich City, but is now available to step straight into the role.
Michael Beale is believed to be a contender for the role at the Kassam Stadium, but a shock return for Manning could now be on the cards following his exit in November 2023.
Manning appears to be a favourite for the Oxford job, with Beale a slightly less likely name, but it remains to be seen how the former manager feels about a return to the Kassam.
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