Former England captain John Terry is reportedly being lined up for his first full-time managerial position, with League One side Oxford United considering him for their vacant hotseat.
A Long-Awaited Break into Management
The 45-year-old Chelsea icon, who currently works within Chelsea's academy and with the Baller League side 26ers, has long sought a top job in the dugout. He has watched former international teammates like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney step into management, but a similar opportunity has eluded him until now.
Terry's coaching experience includes spells as assistant manager to Dean Smith at both Aston Villa and Leicester City. Despite this, he has previously expressed frustration at being overlooked for roles, stating he was "baffled" that his vast playing and coaching experience had not led to a job in the English football pyramid.
Oxford's Search After Rowett's Exit
The opportunity at Oxford has arisen following the sacking of Gary Rowett, who was dismissed after securing just one win in ten games. The club sits perilously close to the Championship relegation zone, level on points with 22nd-placed Portsmouth and just a single point above Norwich City in 23rd.
It has now emerged that Terry is back on the radar of the Oxford board. He is understood to have interviewed for the position in November 2023, before the appointment of Des Buckingham. With Buckingham's successor Rowett now gone, club bosses could be tempted to revisit Terry's candidacy.
A Bold and Surprising Appointment?
Handing Terry his first managerial role would be considered a bold move, given Oxford's precarious league position. He would also be an outsider for the job, with former Rangers and QPR manager Michael Beale remaining the bookmakers' favourite.
The potential move might even surprise Terry himself. In a recent interview, he revealed his frustration: "I'm not saying a job in the Premier League or the Championship - but a job at League One level. I didn't even get a sniff. I had interviews and it was just 'you have no experience'. When I see some people managing today, it baffles me."
Oxford United gave their survival hopes a boost with a dramatic last-gasp 2-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday. The team faces a busy festive schedule, hosting Swansea City on Monday before travelling to face Ipswich Town on New Year's Day.
