Oxford United destined for relegation as ex-Sunderland manager in frame to replace Gary Rowett
Gary Rowett’s departure has left Oxford United in search of a new manager.
After an impressive campaign to date, Sunderland are on course for European football next season, which is a testament to the progress that has been made in such a short period of time.
Just months ago, the Black Cats were in the same league as Oxford United, who are now one of three teams likely to be relegated from the Championship.
As a result of their poor form, which has seen them win just one of their last five, Oxford sacked Rowett, and the name linked with the job will send shivers down the spines of those on Wearside.
Former Sunderland boss in line for Oxford job
Regis Le Bris is working wonders at Sunderland, but over the years, the Black Cats have had countless managers who have halted the progress being made on Wearside.
Michael Beale is at the top of that list, and according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon, he is in line to become the next Oxford boss.
It’s claimed that Beale has support from chiefs at Oxford, who want a coach who can take their players to the next level and ultimately steer them clear of relegation.
Unfortunately for them, Beale is not the one.
Had Sunderland not acted when they did, there is every chance that the Black Cats would have been relegated from the Championship, not long after they had finished inside the top six.
Beale averaged just 1.17 points per game over the 12 games he had in charge at the Stadium of Light, and if he is given the job at Oxford, their fate could be sealed there and then.
What did Beale say about Sunderland sack?
The atmosphere was woeful at Sunderland throughout Beale’s tenure, and that started from the very moment he was appointed.
After Tony Mowbray was sacked, fans wanted to see progression in the form of the next appointment, and with the former Rangers boss getting the job, that wasn’t the case.
Beale was sacked after just 12 games in charge, and when talking to We Are Sunderland after his departure, he had nothing but good things to say about the club.
“I hope the club find the right manager moving forward,” he said. “The fans deserve to get back to the Premier League, where a club of this size belongs. I wish the club every success moving forward.
“The players and staff were a pleasure to work with and reports of issues behind the scenes are a long way wide of the mark.”
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