Will Still now big odds-on favourite to seal Championship return after Southampton sack
Will Still is now the clear odds-on favourite to become the next permanent Oxford United manager as they continue to seek a successor for Gary Rowett.
Rowett replaced Des Buckingham as Oxford boss last December as they battled against relegation in their first season back in the second-tier since 1998-99.
He was able to transform their fortunes as they went unbeaten in his first six games in charge, while Rowett picked up the Championship Manager of the Month award for January.
The 51-year-old led the U’s to a respectable 17th-placed finish in May, but they have struggled so far this season and occupied 22nd spot when Rowett was sacked by Oxford on 23 December.
A new permanent boss is yet to be appointed as Craig Short takes charge on an interim basis, but Still could well be next in line at the Kassam Stadium based on the latest odds.
Still struggled at Southampton but is now clear favourite for the Oxford job
Southampton appointed Will Still in May following relegation to the Championship with the clear aim of an immediate return to the top-flight.
The Belgian-born boss had impressed during stints in charge of Ligue 1 sides Reims and Lens, with many expecting him to be a success on the south coast after a summer of big spending.
Still was unable to guide the Saints to a successful start to the campaign, however, and he was dismissed in November with just four wins from his 16 games at the helm.
Norwich were linked with Still following Liam Manning’s departure, but he is yet to return to the dugout, which could well change soon.
According to odds from one of the UK’s leading bookmakers, the 33-year-old is the favourite to become Oxford’s next manager at 2/7.
Who else is in the running for the Oxford job?
He is out in front of Matt Bloomfield, at odds of 11/4, and former Swansea City boss Alan Sheehan, who comes in at 5/1.
Liam Manning has been touted to return to Oxford, but the unceremonious nature of his 2023 exit means he is only priced at 8/1 to become their next permanent boss.
Chelsea legend John Terry recently ruled himself out of the running, but Football Insider have revealed that Oxford have Steve Bruce on their shortlist of potential appointments.
The U’s currently look set for relegation back to the third tier as it stands, after a run of one win in seven games, so they certainly need someone new in soon to help them to safety in the second half of the season.