Gary Rowett makes a statement via social media regarding his departure from Oxford United and an update on his replacement.
The U’s have sacked Rowett with the club in the Championship relegation zone, having won just one of their last 10 games and two points from safety. A
He won 14 and lost 21 of his 50 games at Oxford and is credited for keeping the club going last season, but this time he ultimately struggled. He asked for help in the upcoming window before his departure.
EXCLUSIVE: Liam Manning is NOT considering the managerial job at Oxford United
It is understood that the former U boss is not considering a return to Kassam at this stage – the full story can be found below. #OUFC https://t.co/y1Pxnd9TA8
– Malachi (@MalachiObrey) December 24, 2025
Understand that John O’Shea is someone who #OUFC Hierarchy would like to discuss her vacant leadership position. O’Shea is keen to become No1 after supporting the Republic of Ireland.
— Alex Crook (@alex_crook) December 24, 2025
It is reported that Liam Manning is not considering a return to Oxford United, despite having high regard for the club after his previous spell, according to the Oxford Mail.
Alex Crook, meanwhile, tweeted: “Understand that John O’Shea is someone the #OUFC hierarchy would like to approach for their vacant leadership position.
“O’Shea is keen to become No1 after helping the Republic of Ireland.”
Michael Beale and Paddy McCarthy are the two top favorites for the job, according to BetVictor.
On Christmas Eve he wrote via Instagram: “Just a thank you to everyone who made the last year a fun one…
“The fans for the incredible atmosphere with Sunderland’s home game last season as the highlight.”
“The players have put in some great performances against the top teams and are always striving to improve and make the training ground a fun place to be.
“We would like to thank the staff for all their hard work and commitment which has made the experience as head coach of Oxford United Football Club an enjoyable one.
“The aim was to keep the club in the Championship and last season was one of my biggest successes in my career so far.
This season has been frustrating for everyone, but I hope the team can respond again with a new voice at the helm. Good luck and I will support OUFC ”
Favorite to become Oxford United’s new manager after Gary Rowett’s departure was confirmed
Meanwhile, Craig Short takes the team home to Southampton for the upcoming sell-out Boxing Day. He told OUTV: “Firstly I’d like to thank Gary Rowett and Mark Sale. It’s never good news as you played a part in it as a coach and player.
“I’ve been in situations like this many times as a player and coach. I’ve seen a reaction in training and I want them to step up, get us through this time and get points on the board.”
“I want the boys to have that underdog mentality. We are everyone’s favorite to avoid relegation, I want the boys to use that and give the fans the performances they want to see.”
“Sometimes you have to get angry and aggressive. You have to show your competitive side.
“It’s about making the right decisions now. Get the basics right and show that mentality because we know we can beat very good teams in this league.”
“Now we have to find that self-confidence and increase the performance level by five or ten percent.
“It’s a really good group and now it’s up to them to make the fans sing. Win the one-on-one duels, get shots on goal, make the big tackles, come back and recover and when you do that the fans will applaud.”
“Christmas is canceled this year for me and the coaches! We have such a good group with Lewis Price and Chris Hackett who are doing so much work.”
“We will give it our all because we are in a dogfight now, we know that. We need a reaction from them and they have shown that before.”
“It doesn’t have to be four or five players, but they all have to be out there competing. I want them to go out there and play without fear.
“The fans have been wonderful to me and the players since I’ve been here. They gave me the best day of my coaching life at Wembley Stadium.”
“We’ve worked so hard to get here. It’s taken years and years of work and hard work for people like Cameron and Sam to get here.
“I completely understand the club, my wife is a local and Oxford fan, as is my father-in-law, and I have been here for years.
“We’re not the biggest club at this level, we know that. But we have a really close-knit community.
“We will give each other energy and I hope the fans continue to give the group that feeling and hopefully we can have a wonderful evening.”
Fans reacted as Gary Rowett made a statement on his departure from Oxford and gave an update on his replacement…
@ziobeege35533: Merry Christmas #oufc, I hope Micheal Skubala and a direct RW are under my tree wrapped as gifts
@GeoCook21:
Personally, I would try to get one of these three managers.
1. Gary O’ Neil (Unrealistic)
2. Michael Carrick
3. Michael Skubala
@Callum_OUFC on O’Shea: In my opinion we should go for such a profile, but we are not particularly enthusiastic about it
@oxfjack: Must be a sign that we are choosing a younger coach
@Dannyoufc:
#oufc Twitter is a damn warzone today
Merry Christmas to everyone, even if our opinions on this club differ.
Peace and health to all of you and your families
One love x
@GrahamDean44894 on Manning: We didn’t want him back, no loyalty, just a money broker, our results when he left were on the slide
@Jamesasr89: Extraordinary Instagram post from Gary Rowett. Shows the character of the man. Incredibly respectful of the players, the club and the fans. Also kind of admits he just didn’t get it done this year, more than you get from most managers
@DBoufc: Some really questionable names appeared in the latest odds for the new #oufc job. Beale, O’shea, Bloomfield, Leighton Baines Some names I would imagine: Russell Martin, Michael Carrick, maybe Tony Mowbray, Skubala and a certain Karl Robinson
@JackMcD2408191: Nobody mentioned Bloomfield, could be a good option. Did an incredible performance at Wycombe, then did really well at Luton and was unlucky to be relegated (his PPG over a whole season would have seen them comfortably to safety) #oufc
@steffensmark: I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Most of the squad just isn’t good enough, probably four championship players at best. I’m not sure GR or anyone else could do much with this #OUFC bunch
It doesn’t matter now if you were a “GR-out” or a “give him time and he’ll keep us updated.” It’s done. Now we have to get behind the team – our support and passion for #OUFC will be the key to what is to come. Make some noise… get behind the boys and let’s try to enjoy the journey. pic.twitter.com/ntuJjgTAJJ
— ToTheManorBorn (@OUFC_OnandUp) December 24, 2025
