Next Oxford Manager Odds: Will Still Heads Betting For United Job
Oxford are still searching for a new manager after parting company with Gary Rowett before Christmas.
One win in 10 games left United firmly in the Championship relegation zone, with performances failing to show enough attacking threat or consistency.
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 and Liam Manning both had spells as favourites on betting sites, but Will Still is now the new frontrunner to fill the vacancy.
Survival is now the clear priority, and the next managerial decision could define the club’s immediate future.
Here, we look at the main contenders and the latest next Oxford manager odds.
Next Oxford Manager Betting Odds: Still In The Game
Will Still's first job in England can hardly be described as a success, but could he make amends at struggling Oxford?
The former Reims and Lens manager only lasted five months at Southampton, who were just outside the bottom three of the Championship with two wins from 13 matches before he was sacked.
Belgian-born Still was well known for starting his reign at Reims with a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions during the 2022/23 season - including two draws with PSG.
Still may have endured a horrible start to his career in England, but he is 8/13 to get back on track at the Kassam Stadium.
Next Oxford United Manager Odds
Manager | Odds | Probability |
Will Still | 8/13 | 61.9% |
Matt Bloomfield | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Alan Sheehan | 3/1 | 25% |
Liam Manning | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Michael Beale | 16/1 | 5.9% |
John O'Shea | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Jens Berthel Askou | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Tony Mowbray | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Darren Ferguson | 25/1 | 3.8% |
Bloomfield Could Blossom With U's
Matt Bloomfield is now second favourite at 2/1 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.
Sheehan Slips As Still Heads Market
Alan Sheehan was odds-on at the time of our previous update, but the emergence of Still as a strong candidate has seen his odds lengthen to 3/1.
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 still be under serious consideration behind the scenes.
Ex-United Boss Manning Drifts
Liam Manning is a familiar name to Oxford supporters, but his odds have doubled from 6/1 to 12/1 recently.
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.
Beale Heads Outsiders
Elsewhere, former QPR, Rangers and Sunderland boss Michael Beale is priced at 16/1 to fill the Oxford vacancy.
John O'Shea is next in the market at 20/1, although the appointment of the Irishman would be brave at this stage of the season, bearing in mind his experience has been solely in the international arena.
Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou, experienced manager Tony Mowbray and Peterborough legend Darren Ferguson are all priced at 25/1.
* 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!
