We take a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Oxford United following the departure of Matt Bloomfield.
Bloomfield was appointed in January but was unable to keep the club in the Championship and the club's hierarchy are now pursuing other options in an attempt to bounce back next season.
Here are our top contenders to be the next Oxford United manager as they bid to secure promotion from League One.
Next Oxford United Manager Contenders
Dave Challinor
Since venturing into management in the summer of 2010, Challinor has been one of the most consistent managers in English football.
Leading Stockport into the League One play-offs this season was the 15th time he has secured a play-off finish or better in his 15th full season as a manager.
Following the play-off final defeat to Bolton Wanderers, it was announced Challinor had departed the club by mutual consent and his name has been linked with various clubs ever since.
Karl Robinson
Could a return to Oxford United be on the cards for Karl Robinson?
During a five-year spell between 2018 and 2023, Robinson led the U's to back-to-back play-off finishes but couldn't quite get over the line.
After recently losing his job at Salford City, the stars may be aligning and Robinson may feel he has unfinished business at the Kassam Stadium.
Richie Wellens
Richie Wellens' stock was particularly high this time last year after his Leyton Orient side reached the League One play-off final before losing to Charlton Athletic.
Last season was disappointing for Wellens as Orient finished just one place above the relegation zone.
The former Swindon Town and Doncaster Rovers boss has been the Leyton Orient manager since March 2022 and may potentially jump at the chance to join a club with more realistic promotion aspirations.
Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson has been out of work since being relieved of his duties at Peterborough United in October.
As well as having four different spells at Peterborough, Ferguson has previously managed Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers and would provide plenty of League One experience.
The opportunity to manage Oxford United is one that Ferguson could relish as he looks to return to the dugout.
