Premier League legends John O’Shea and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are both ‘in the frame’ for the Oxford United manager job in the Championship.

Premier League legends John O’Shea and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are both ‘in the frame’ for the Oxford United manager job in the Championship.

Premier League legends John O’Shea and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are both ‘in the frame’ for the Oxford United manager job, according to The I Paper.

The U’s are on the search for a new head coach following the departure of Gary Rowett on December 23 and are currently speaking to candidates before appointing a new boss.

Ex-Sunderland manager Michael Beale remains ahead in the bookies’ favourites, however The I today reported that former Manchester United defender and ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are both among the candidates, with interviews apparently taking place on Sunday.

O’Shea currently works as assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland and has reportedly been interested in undertaking his first head coach role.

O’Shea currently works as assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland and has reportedly been interested in undertaking his first head coach role.

Hasselbaink has been out of managerial work since 2022 when he was last manager of Burton Albion before resigning. He then joined Gareth Southgate’s coaching squad with the England national team in 2023 until Southgate’s resignation.


Former Luton Town boss Matt Bloomfield has also reportedly been spoken to.

He took over at Luton in January 2025 but failed to keep the club in the second tier and was sacked in October with the club 11th in League One.

Oxford are currently sitting in 21st in the Championship, one place above the relegation zone on goal difference before this evening’s welcoming of Swansea City to the Kassam.