Chelsea legend John Terry 'in frame' for first manager's job after brutal sacking

John Terry is yet to takeover a club as a manager, but the iconic Chelsea captain may soon be given his first opportunity in football management

Ex-Chelsea captain John Terry is a contender for the vacant Oxford United job, according to reports that emerged in the national press on Friday.

The ex-England defender had seemed content with his part-time role within Chelsea's academy setup following several unsuccessful applications for first-team positions. However, it appears circumstances may now have shifted.

The Us are reportedly weighing up whether to hand the 45-year-old his maiden opportunity. They dismissed Gary Rowett after slipping into the Championship's relegation zone, although a statement victory over Southampton on Boxing Day saw them climb out of the drop zone.

The Sun reports that Terry is among several candidates being considered for the Oxford position. Former Rangers and QPR manager Mick Beale is also believed to be under consideration, and Terry will be hoping to avoid déjà vu.

The same outlet highlights that Terry was previously linked with the role in 2023 following Liam Manning's departure for Bristol City. On that occasion, the job went to Des Buckingham, who subsequently guided Oxford to promotion.

Buckingham himself was dismissed in December 2024 and has since taken charge of Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood. His replacement Rowett enjoyed only a brief tenure, and now Terry has an opportunity to resurrect a coaching career he had seemingly abandoned.

"I'm done in terms of coaching. I'm enjoying my life, I'm working in the Chelsea academy," Terry told The Sun as recently as August. "My role's a part-time role, I love working with the kids, I love passing on my knowledge and experience to those boys."

Having served on Dean Smith's coaching team at both Aston Villa and Leicester City, John Terry has expressed interest in managerial roles, but his aspirations have been met with disappointment due to a lack of opportunities.

"I absolutely wanted it," he confessed. "When I went into Villa I got great experience under Dean Smith and we got promotion, which was incredible."

Drawing on his experiences as an assistant coach in the Premier League, coupled with his illustrious playing career and leadership roles at Chelsea and England, Terry believed he had the credentials for a managerial position.

He added: "As an assistant coach in the Premier League and the experience I've had as a player and an individual captain in both Chelsea and England, I thought that would be enough to get me a job. I'm not saying a job in the Premier League or the Championship - but a job at League One level."

Should Oxford United consider Terry for their managerial vacancy, it would come on the back of a much-needed league victory, their second in two months, bolstering their fight against relegation.