Oxford United has made the decisive move to sack head coach Gary Rowett, a year into his tenure, as the club finds itself entrenched in the Championship relegation zone. The U's have struggled to find form, securing only one win in their last 10 games, which has led to a precarious position, merely two points from safety. This downturn in performance has prompted the club's hierarchy to take swift action, aiming to avoid the drop to League One.
Rowett, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience in the second tier, having managed the likes of Millwall, Birmingham City, Derby County, and Stoke City, was appointed on December 20, 2024, to steer the club away from the relegation zone. Initially, he succeeded in his mission, leading Oxford to survival and a second successive season in the Championship. However, the current campaign has told a different story, with the team's tally of 22 goals scored being the fourth-worst in the division, and on-loan striker Will Lanskhear, with five goals, being their top scorer.
Reasons Behind the Sacking
The decision to part ways with Rowett comes on the back of a dismal run of results, which has seen the team lose its footing in the Championship. Despite retaining a significant portion of the squad from the previous season, Oxford has failed to replicate the form that ensured their survival last year. The lack of goals and the inability to string together a series of positive results have been major concerns, culminating in the club's current predicament.
"Gary joined during a challenging period and deserves immense credit for the hard work and leadership that saw us retain our Championship status last season," said Oxford United chairman Grant Ferguson. "However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take this difficult decision in the best interests of the club."
Assistant coach Mark Sale has also left the club, as part of the restructuring process, with Craig Short, alongside Chris Hackett and Lewis Price, taking interim charge of the first team. The search for a new head coach has begun, with the club aiming to find the right candidate to lead them out of the relegation zone.
Rowett's position had come under increasing scrutiny following a run of poor results, which included a 1-0 defeat at Charlton, where a significant number of traveling fans called for his departure. Questions had also been raised about his relationship with the board, particularly regarding transfer dealings and budget uncertainties. Despite his initial success in turning the club's fortunes around, the current slump has proven too much to overcome, leading to his eventual sacking.
The club's hierarchy will be hoping that the change in management will provide the necessary spark to reignite their season. With Sheffield Wednesday's relegation all but confirmed, due to a 30-point deficit and minus nine points from financial deductions, Oxford is keen to avoid being one of the other two teams to join them in League One. The upcoming game against Southampton on Boxing Day will be the first test for the interim coaching team, as they look to steady the ship and guide the club towards safer waters.
As the season enters its critical phase, Oxford United will be looking to find the stability and form that has eluded them thus far. The sacking of Gary Rowett marks a new chapter in the club's quest for survival, and only time will tell if the decision will prove to be the catalyst for a turnaround in their fortunes.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
