Gary Rowett issues statement on departure from Oxford with update given on his replacement

Gary Rowett issues a statement via social media on his departure from Oxford United with an update given on his replacement.

The U’s sacked Rowett with the club in the Championship relegation zone having just won just one of their last 10 games and are two points from safety. a

He picked up 14 wins and lost 21 of his 50 games at Oxford, and is thanked for keeping the club up last season, but has ultimately struggled this time around. He asked for help in the upcoming window before his exit.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Liam Manning NOT considering Oxford United manager vacancy

It is understood that the former U’s boss is not considering a return to the Kassam at this stage – full story below. 👇#OUFC 🟡https://t.co/y1Pxnd9TA8

— malachi (@MalachiObrey) December 24, 2025

Understand John O’Shea is someone the #OUFC hierarchy would like to speak to re their vacant managerial post. O’Shea very keen to become a number 1 after assisting the Republic of Ireland.

— Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) December 24, 2025

It’s reported that Liam Manning isn’t considering a return to Oxford United, as per the Oxford Mail, despite holding the club in high regard following his previous spell.

Alex Crook meanwhile tweeted: “Understand John O’Shea is someone the #OUFC hierarchy would like to speak to re their vacant managerial post.

“O’Shea very keen to become a number 1 after assisting the Republic of Ireland.”

Michael Beale and Paddy McCarthy are the top two favourites to take the job according to BetVictor.

He wrote via Instagram on Christmas Eve: “Just a thank you to everyone who made the last year a fun one…

“The fans for some incredible atmospheres with Sunderland at home last season as the highlight.

“The players for some big performances against the top teams always pushing to improve and making the training ground a fun place.

“The staff for all their hard work and dedication all making the experience as Oxford United Football Club Head Coach an enjoyable one.

“The aim was to keep the club in the Championship and last season was one of my biggest achievements in my career so far.

This season was frustrating for all but I’m hoping the team can respond again with a new voice at the helm, good luck and will be supporting OUFC 💛”

Favourites to become new Oxford United manager after confirming Gary Rowett’s departure

Meanwhile, Craig Short takes the team for the upcoming Boxing Day sell-out at home to Southampton. He said to OUTV: “First of all, I would like to thank Gary Rowett and Mark Sale. It’s never nice news to receive as you have played a part in it as coaches, and as players.

“I’ve been in these situations many times before as a player and a coach. I saw a reaction in training, and I want to see them step up, push us through this period and get points on the board.

“I want the boys to have that underdog mentality. We’re everyone’s favourites to be relegated, I want the lads to use that and give the fans the performances they want to see.

“Sometimes, you need to get angry and aggressive. You have to show that competitive side.

“It’s down to 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 confidence and raise the level of performance by five or 10 percent.

“It’s a really good group and now it’s up to them to get the fans singing. Win the one v one duels, get shots on target, make the big tackles, get back and recover and if you do that the fans will applaud.

“Christmas is cancelled for me and the coaches this year! We have such a good group in Lewis Price and Chris Hackett who do so much work.

“We will give everything because we are in a dogfight now, we know that. We need a reaction from them, and they have shown that before.

“It needs to be not four or five players, but all of them out there competing. I want them to go out there and play without any fear.

“The supporters have been wonderful with me and the players since I’ve been here. They have given me the best day of my coaching life at Wembley.

“We have worked so hard to get here. Guys like Cameron and Sam, it’s been years of graft and work that has got them here.

“I totally get the Club, my wife is a local girl and Oxford fan, as is my father-in-law, and I’ve been here for years.

“We’re not the biggest club at this level, we know that. But we have that real tight knit community.

“We will give each other energy and I hope the supporters continue to give the group that feeling and hopefully we can have a wonderful evening.”

Fans reacted as Gary Rowett issues a statement on his departure from Oxford with an update given on his replacement…

@ziobeege35533: merry christmas #oufc hoping that Micheal Skubala and a direct RW are gift wrapped under my tree

@GeoCook21:Personally I would try to get one of these 3 managers.1. Gary O’ Neil (Unrealistic)2. Michael Carrick3. Michael Skubala

@Callum_OUFC on O’Shea: That sort of profile imo is who we should go for but not too keen on this one

@oxfjack: Has to be a sign we’re going for a younger coach

@Dannyoufc:#oufc twitter is a fucking warzone today😂Merry christmas all even if our opinions on this club differ.Peace and good health to you all and your familiesOne love x

@GrahamDean44894 on Manning: We wouldn’t want him back , no loyalty just a money mover , our results when he left was on the slide

@Jamesasr89: Exceptional Instagram post by Gary Rowett. Shows the character of the man. Incredibly respectful to the players, club and fans. Also sorts of admits he just couldn’t get it working this year, more than you get from most managers

@DBoufc: Some truly questionable names banded around in the latest odds for the new #oufc job. Beale, O’shea, Bloomfield , Leighton Baines 🤣 Some names id take:, Russell Martin, Michael Carrick, Maybe Tony Mowbray, Skubala , And a certain Karl Robinson

@JackMcD2408191: Not seen anyone mention Bloomfield, could be a good option. Did unbelievably at Wycombe, then did really well at Luton and unlucky to get relegated (his PPG across a full season would’ve had them comfortably safe) #oufc

@steffensmark: Been thinking about it for a while. Most of the squad just ain’t good enough, probably got 4 championship players at best. Not sure GR or anyone else could do much with this bunch #OUFC

Whether you were a ‘GR out’ or a ‘give him time & he’ll keep us up’ matters not now. It’s done. So now we have to get behind the team – our support & passion for #OUFC is going to be key in what’s to come. Make some noise….get behind the lads & let’s try & enjoy the journey. pic.twitter.com/ntuJjgTAJJ

— ToTheManorBorn (@OUFC_OnandUp) December 24, 2025