John Terry cut his teeth as a coach at Aston Villa, Leicester and Chelsea and was linked with Championship side Oxford United over the Christmas period.
John Terry has denied reports that he could be leaving Chelsea to become Oxford United’s new manager. The Chelsea legend currently works as a coach in the Blues’ academy and is rumored to be linked with the Championship side.
Oxford are looking for a new manager after Gary Rowett was sacked on December 23 following poor results. The United’s appointed Craig Short as interim manager and he oversaw a stunning 2-1 win over Southampton on Boxing Day.
Short is expected to take charge against Swansea on Monday and potentially the trip to Ipswich on New Year’s Day, with the club working towards a permanent appointment. One of those involved in this role is Terry, who has been in Chelsea’s academy since July 2023 after coaching at Aston Villa and Leicester.
However, the 45-year-old former England international is now distancing himself from the job. “I just want to talk about something related to my work at Oxford University,” Terry said in a video on social media. “I don’t know where these rumors come from, but I’m certainly not looking for a job.
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“I spoke about my role in the academy at Chelsea, working with players as they progress from the youth team to the reserves to the first team, and how much I loved being involved.
“Certainly I haven’t approached Oxford. I haven’t spoken to anyone at all. So I want to be completely removed from Oxford. I wish Oxford and whoever takes over as manager all the best, but it’s definitely not me.”
Oxford sit 21st in the Championship standings, outside the relegation zone, on goal difference after their impressive win against Southampton. Stan Mills’ 89th-minute winner secured the crucial three points and caretaker manager Short was delighted, but also declined to become long-term manager.
Short is in his fourth year as caretaker at Oxford University following the departures of Karl Robinson, Liam Manning and Des Buckingham. “I’m feeling euphoric right now… I’m blessed with the staff around me, but three hours ago I wasn’t feeling that way,” he said.
“All I want to focus on is trying to be a safe pair. I feel like I have the ability to steady the ship, take care of it and see how the process goes, but let’s get this few games done.
“I came here to do what I had to do and get some points. This was a big step for us today. It gave us not only the three points but also the confidence back in the players.”
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