Former Aston Villa captain and Chelsea legend John Terry has emerged as a leading contender to take charge of Oxford United, as the club searches for a new manager following their recent struggles in the Championship.
Oxford United, who earned promotion to the Championship last season via the League One play-offs, parted ways with head coach Des Buckingham after a dismal run of form. The U’s have managed just one win in their last 16 games, leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone.
Oxford’s Managerial Search
Bookmakers currently list Terry as the second favourite for the position at 3/1, behind former Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett, who remains the frontrunner. Rowett is odds-on for the role, having recently completed a second spell at St Andrew’s.
Terry’s Coaching Journey
John Terry, who made over 700 appearances for Chelsea, joined Aston Villa as a player in 2017 under Steve Bruce, helping the club to the Championship play-off final in his final season. Following retirement, Terry transitioned into coaching, returning to Villa to serve as assistant to Dean Smith. During his tenure, Villa achieved promotion back to the Premier League and established themselves in the top tier.
Most recently, Terry assisted Dean Smith again at Leicester City in 2023 as they unsuccessfully fought to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Since then, Terry has returned to Chelsea, taking on a role in the club’s academy to aid the development of the next generation of talent.
Familiar Trends Among Ex-England Stars
Despite links to several managerial vacancies in the past, Terry has yet to take the step into full-time management. However, his former England teammates, including Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Rooney, have all ventured into managerial roles in recent years, with varying degrees of success. Gerrard notably spent time at Aston Villa, while Rooney managed Birmingham City earlier this season.
Oxford United represents a significant opportunity for Terry, should he be appointed, to make his managerial debut at a club seeking stability and a turnaround in form. With his wealth of playing experience and coaching knowledge, Terry could bring a fresh approach to a struggling side.
Writer’s View
John Terry’s emergence as a contender for the Oxford United job feels like a natural progression for the former England captain. His experience as a player and assistant coach at top clubs makes him a strong candidate for a managerial role. If given the opportunity, Terry’s leadership qualities and footballing knowledge could help steady the ship for Oxford, providing a foundation for future success.
