Next Oxford Manager Odds: Sheehan Strong Favourite For U's Role
Oxford United are searching for a new manager after parting company with Gary Rowett following a difficult Championship campaign.
A prolonged run of poor results left the U’s firmly in the relegation zone, with performances failing to show enough attacking threat or consistency.
Defensive issues and an inability to turn tight games into points ultimately proved costly.
With the club struggling near the foot of the table, the board opted for change in an attempt to spark a turnaround before the season drifts away.
Alan Sheehan has quickly emerged as one of the early favourites across most betting sites, reflecting the market’s expectation of a swift appointment.
Survival is now the clear priority, and the next managerial decision could define Oxford’s immediate future.
Here, we look at the main contenders and the best odds on offer.
Next Oxford United Manager Odds
Manager | Odds | Probability |
Alan Sheehan | 4/7 | 63.6% |
Tony Mowbray | 4/1 | 20% |
Matt Bloomfield | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Liam Manning | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Paddy McCarthy | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Darren Ferguson | 8/1 | 11.1% |
John O'Shea | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Jens Berthel Askou | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Michael Beale | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Michael Skubala | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Russell Martin | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Karl Robinson | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Sheehan Emerges As Strong Favourite
Sheehan is a clear market leader at 4/7, positioning him as the standout candidate to take charge at the Kassam Stadium.
His recent Championship experience with Swansea has clearly resonated with betting apps, particularly given Oxford’s immediate need for results.
Sheehan is viewed as a coach who can organise quickly and stabilise a struggling side.
The strength of his odds suggests he may already be under serious consideration behind the scenes.
Mowbray Offers Much-Needed Experience
Tony Mowbray is the next best option at 4/1 and is the most experienced near the top of the market.
He has built a long reputation as a manager capable of steadying teams during difficult spells.
In a relegation fight, that calm approach and knowledge of the EFL could prove invaluable, and his odds reflect both his availability and the belief that Oxford may favour a short-term stabiliser.
Appointing him would signal a focus on survival first, with longer-term planning to follow later.
Bloomfield Could Blossom With U's
Matt Bloomfield is priced at 5/1 and remains well-regarded despite a challenging recent spell at Luton.
His earlier work with Wycombe and Colchester demonstrated strong coaching principles and a clear footballing identity.
Bloomfield would likely represent a slightly longer-term appointment rather than a pure firefighting option.
That could appeal if the Oxford board believe the 41-year-old can deliver quick results, but patience would be required during an intense relegation battle.
Familiar Face Manning In The Running
Liam Manning (6/1) is a familiar name to Oxford supporters.
His previous spell at the club saw him lead them to the play-offs before joining Bristol City, and later he had an ill-fated spell in charge of Norwich.
A return to Oxford would offer continuity and an immediate understanding of the club’s culture and set-up.
That familiarity could reduce transition risk at a critical point in the season, and he would likely be a popular choice among fans.
Trio Of 8/1 Shots Bring Different Approach
Paddy McCarthy, Darren Ferguson and John O’Shea can all be backed at 8/1 in the next Oxford manager odds.
Ferguson is the most experienced of the trio, with a proven track record as a manager.
McCarthy and O’Shea would represent upward moves from assistant and international coaching roles, but the two Irishmen would be brave appointments at this stage of the season.
Each offers a different blend of experience and potential upside, so it would depend on what the Oxford owners are looking for in their next manager.
Outsiders And Longshots Complete The Market
Elsewhere, Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou is available at 10/1, while former QPR, Rangers and Sunderland boss Michael Beale is priced at 12/1.
Karl Robinson spent five years at Oxford and is available at 16/1 to make a return, the same price as Lincoln manager Michael Skubala.
Also at 16/1 in the market, Russell Martin is awaiting the opportunity to get his managerial career back on track after a horrific spell at Rangers.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
Oxford fans, who would you like to see as the club's next manager? Let us know in the comments below!
