Oxford United have terminated the contract of first-team manager Gary Rowett, leaving the club searching for new leadership as they battle to avoid relegation from the Championship.
The decision comes with the team sitting 22nd in the league table, just two points adrift of safety. Their form has deteriorated significantly, securing only a single victory in their last ten outings across all competitions. This poor run was extended with a loss to Charlton Athletic this past weekend.
Rowett, who previously managed several clubs including Birmingham City and Stoke City, was appointed in December 2024. He successfully guided the club to Championship survival last season following their promotion from League One. However, the current campaign has proven far more challenging.
In a statement, the club’s board expressed gratitude for Rowett’s efforts during a difficult period last year but stated that the recent results necessitated a change in direction for the long-term good of the club. Assistant manager Mark Robson has also departed.
First-team coaching duties will be handled on an interim basis by Craig Short. His immediate task will be to prepare the squad for their next fixture, a home match against Southampton on Boxing Day.