Steve Bruce in major contention for Championship return after announcement
Steve Bruce is in the running for the Oxford United job after Gary Rowett was sacked.
The U’s made the change on Tuesday after a 1-0 defeat to Charlton left them in the relegation zone going into Christmas Day, two points from safety.
It has been a tough second season for Oxford United, who are now predicted to be relegated from the Championship.
Therefore, a change was perhaps needed if they were to ensure a third successive season in the top flight.
However, a surprise candidate for the job appears to be Bruce.
Oxford United can confirm that Gary Rowett has left his role as Men’s First Team Head Coach.
— Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) December 23, 2025
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
Steve Bruce second-favourite for Oxford United job
Bruce was once a highly sought-after manager in the Championship after proving to be a serial promotion winner.
However, recent appointments have been disastrous.
His last Championship job was at West Brom, with Bruce being sacked after eight months with the Baggies in the relegation zone.
From here, he dropped down a division and took charge of Blackpool. However, this did not go any better, with Bruce lasting just over a year before being sacked in October 2025, with the Tangerines second from bottom.
Nevertheless, the 64-year-old has continued to be linked to jobs, with Bruce previously the third-favourite to become the new Barrow manager.
“Heskey, Rodallega, Valencia & Palacios” 🔝
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) December 24, 2025
Steve Bruce says that Wigan side was the best team he ever managed 👔#BBCFootball #WAFC pic.twitter.com/VuDRBUybuc
However, with Oxford United now on the hunt for a new gaffer, the bookies have surprisingly made him second-favourite.
According to one bookmaker, Bruce is just 6/1 to take over at the Kassam Stadium.
Who else is in the running to be Oxford United manager?
Liam Manning remains the favourite to become the new Oxford United manager at 6/4, while Alex Revell is also in the running at 7/1.
Former Rangers and QPR boss Michael Beale is also a potential candidate at 8/1 alongside Graham Alexander.
Potential eye-catching outsiders are Michael Carrick, Russell Martin and Neil Warnock, who are at 12/1, 14/1 and 20/1.
However, it remains to be seen who Oxford United targets to take over Rowett in the coming weeks, with their Championship survival on the line.