Oxford United has dismissed manager Gary Rowett and assistant Mark Sale after a dismal run of form left the Championship club in the relegation zone. The U's sit 22nd in the table, just two points from safety after 22 games.
The club confirmed the decision on Tuesday morning, following a 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic. Oxford has won only four matches all season and just once in their last ten fixtures.
Former Sheffield United defender Craig Short takes temporary charge. Chris Hackett and Lewis Price support him. The trio will lead first-team preparations while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
Critical festive period ahead
The timing adds pressure to Oxford's situation. The club faces 12 points worth of fixtures in less than ten days, starting with back-to-back home matches against Southampton on Boxing Day and Swansea City on December 29.
Away trips to Ipswich Town on New Year's Day and Sheffield United on January 4 follow. Portsmouth currently sits two points clear of the relegation zone, directly above Oxford.
Rowett's tenure ends after a year
Chairman Grant Ferguson acknowledged the difficult decision in an official club statement: "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. However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take this difficult decision in the best interests of the Club."
The 51-year-old Rowett arrived at Kassam Stadium last December, succeeding Des Buckingham. He successfully steered Oxford to Championship safety in their first season back at this level in 25 years, finishing four points and five places clear of the drop zone.
This campaign has proven far more challenging. The club struggles to secure results, winning just four of 22 league matches.
Ferguson added: "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."
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
