Oxford United have fired manager Gary Rowett just two days before Christmas.
Rowett’s departure came three days after the Championship team’s 1-0 defeat to Charlton.
Oxford has only one win in ten games and is ranked third from bottom after 22 games.
Grant Ferguson, Chairman, said: “Gary joined at a difficult time and deserves enormous credit for his hard work and leadership that helped us retain our Championship status last season.
“However, after a disappointing run of results, we have been forced to make this difficult decision in the best interests of the club.”
“On behalf of the board, I would like to place on record our thanks to Gary and Mark for their contribution to the football club and to wish them all the best for the future.”
Rowett was appointed in December 2024 and helped them secure their place in the second tier.
It was their first season back at that level in 25 years, after being promoted from League One.
Oxford faces Southampton on Boxing Day.
Oxford needs help.
Speaking after Oxford’s 1-0 defeat to Charlton, which left the team two points from safety, Rowett stated that the club required assistance in January.
“It felt like a fairly even game; I didn’t think there was much in it.
“I don’t think Charlton were better than us, but neither were we better than them.
“We needed one moment of quality for the goal and couldn’t locate it. We huffed and puffed a little. I thought we performed well in the first half for an away performance. I thought we had some control, got into some decent situations, but didn’t produce much beyond a long-range shot or a rushed effort.
“The group certainly needs a little boost in January.
“They are an honest group. They work hard, but we’re trying to make a difference in this division without someone like Cameron [Brannagan] on the team. That is what we are really missing.
“You simply have to look at our goal scoring list to realize that we don’t have enough players at and around the level that we require.
“It’s difficult to win games when you’re constantly looking for that one opportunity. You need three, four, or five people to step up in various games and come up with different ways to win points.
“We’re having trouble finding it right now. Whether it’s a lack of confidence or the fact that we didn’t have the momentum we had when we first arrived last season.
“Most of the players have had a good opportunity and whilst I think we’ve been incredibly competitive in this division, we just haven’t quite had enough to win enough games and that’s the simple truth.”
“We need to stick together.
“I understand the audience’s reaction, but that is what it is. It isn’t especially helpful right now, but I understand their frustration.
“I don’t think being personal helps, but I understand if they are frustrated that we aren’t winning games.
“If we go down that route, then it’s going to clearly mean one thing.”
Who will take leadership of Oxford?
In addition to Rowett, assistant head coach Mark Sale has left the club.
The club also stated that the process of appointing a new head coach had already beginning.
In the meantime, Craig Short, Chris Hackett, and Lewis Price will oversee first-team preparations.
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