Oxford sack head coach Rowett

Oxford United head coach Gary Rowett has been sacked with the club in the Championship relegation zone.

The U's have won just one of their past 10 games and are two points from safety, after slipping into the bottom three 10 days ago.

Rowett, 51, had been in charge for a year, almost to the day - having succeeded Des Buckingham on 20 December 2024 - winning 14 and losing 21 of his 50 games.

He led Oxford to survival and a second season in the Championship in May, having taken over the 2024 League One play-off winners when they were a point above the relegation zone.

Rowett's assistant Mark Sale has also left the club, with Craig Short taking interim charge of the first team alongside Chris Hackett and Lewis Price.

"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," Oxford United chairman Grant Ferguson told the club website., external

"However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take 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."