John Terry has gained experience as a coach at Aston Villa, Leicester and Chelsea and has been linked with Championship side Oxford United over the Christmas period
John Terry speaking on a golf course
John Terry has responded to suggestions he could take over at Oxford(Image: tiktok/johnterry26)
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John Terry has denied reports suggesting he could walk away from Chelsea in order to become the new manager of Oxford United. The Chelsea legend is currently working as a coach in the Blues’ academy and has been linked with the Championship side.
Oxford are on the lookout for a new manager after Gary Rowett was sacked on December 23 following a poor run of results. The U’s have appointed Craig Short as interim manager and he oversaw a stunning 2-1 win over Southampton on Boxing Day.
Short is expected to be in charge for Monday’s game against Swansea and potentially the trip to Ipswich on New Year’s Day, with the club working on a permanent appointment. One of those linked with the role is Terry, who has been with Chelsea’s academy since July 2023 following coaching roles at Aston Villa and Leicester.
However, the 45-year-old former England international has now distanced himself from the job. “I just want to talk about me being linked with the Oxford job,” Terry said in a video on social media. “I'm not sure where these rumours come from, I'm certainly not on the lookout for a job.
“I've spoken about how much I love my role at Chelsea in the academy, working with the players in the progression from youth team to reserves to the first team, and the involvement I have in that.
“Certainly not approached Oxford, I've 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.”
Oxford sit 21st in the Championship table, outside of the relegation zone on goal difference, after their impressive win over Southampton. Stan Mills’ 89th minute winner sealed the vital three points to leave interim boss Short delighted, but he has also ruled himself out of becoming the long-term manager.
John Terry greeting fans in October 2025
John Terry is working as a coach at Chelsea's academy(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Short is in his fourth spell as caretaker at Oxford, having done so after the departures of Karl Robinson, Liam Manning and Des Buckingham. “I am euphoric now...I am so fortunate with the staff I have around me, but three hours ago I wasn’t feeling like that,” he said.
“All I want to focus on is trying to be a safe pair of hands. I feel as though I’m capable of steadying the ship and looking after it and then seeing where the process goes, but let’s just get these few games out the way.
“I’m here to just do what I do and try and grab a few points, and this has been a huge step for us today. It’s put some confidence back in the lads as well as the three points.”
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