Oxford United have announced the departure of first-team manager Gary Rowett, with the club currently positioned inside the Championship relegation zone.
The decision comes with the team having secured only one victory in their last ten league outings, leaving them two points adrift of safety. Rowett, who previously managed several clubs including Birmingham City and Stoke City, was appointed just over a year ago in December 2024. He successfully guided the club to Championship survival last season following their promotion from League One.
However, form has deteriorated sharply this campaign. A recent defeat extended a poor run of results, prompting the club’s hierarchy to act.
In a statement, the club’s chairman expressed gratitude for Rowett’s efforts during a difficult period last season but stated that the current trajectory had made a change necessary. The search for a permanent successor will begin immediately.
First-team coach Craig Short will assume temporary managerial duties, with the team’s next fixture set for December 26th. The focus now turns to an urgent battle for points as Oxford fight to climb out of the bottom three.
