Oxford United's search for a new head coach has suffered a setback after John Terry ruled himself out of the running to replace Gary Rowett.
Rowett was sacked on 23rd December following a run of just one win in 10 games, leaving his former assistant, Craig Short, in interim charge for the U's Boxing Day fixture against Southampton.
Oxford upset the Saints 2-1, with Stanley Mills scoring an 89th-minute winner to leave the club 21st in the Championship, three points above Portsmouth.
Short is again set to be in charge for Monday's game with Swansea City and his side are 9/5 to triumph, with the draw 21/10 and 8/5 available for the Swans to win for the first time away from home under Vitor Matos.
Terry talks down Oxford reports
The Oxford board continue their search for Rowett's replacement, but it won't be Terry, who has "completely" ruled himself out of the running.
Terry retired from playing in 2018 and immediately took up a job as Dean Smith's assistant at Aston Villa.
The now-45-year-old then reunited with Smith for a short spell at Leicester City and currently holds an academy post at Chelsea.
Terry has previously spoken about his frustration at not being able to find a head coaching role but despite reports to the contrary, insists he will not be making his managerial debut as the top man at the Kassam Stadium.
"I'm not sure where these rumours have come from, I'm certainly not on the lookout for a job," Terry said in a video shared on TikTok.
"I've spoken about how much I love my role at Chelsea in the academy, working with the players in progressing them from the youth team, to reserves, to the first team and the involvement I have in that.
"I've certainly not approached Oxford, not spoken to anybody at all, so I just want to completely rule myself out of it.
"I wish Oxford and whoever goes in as manager all the very best, but it certainly won't be me."
O'Shea another in the running
Oxford's focus is believed to have switched to another former Premier League-winning defender, John O'Shea.
O'Shea has also struggled to break into management, although he has previously been in temporary charge of the Republic of Ireland.
The 44-year-old has since reverted to his previous role as ROI assistant under Heimir Hallgrimsson.
The former Manchester United defender is believed to be in the running to take over Oxford, who so far this season have only won five of their 23 games, losing 11 and drawing the other seven.
Relegation battle ongoing
Oxford, 21st in the standings, are the 4/6 favourites to be relegated and whoever comes in looks set for a scrap in the lower reaches of the second tier.
Other candidates being suggested to replace Rowett are former Rangers boss Michael Beale, Crystal Palace first-team coach Paddy McCarthy and the experienced Tony Mowbray.
Karl Robinson, who spent five years at the Kassam Stadium and who is currently in charge of Salford City, is believed to be another option under consideration, as is Liam Manning, who departed Norwich City in November.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
