John Terry instantly quashes talk of first managerial job as ex-Manchester United star in the frame for EFL role

John Terry has ‘completely’ ruled himself out of becoming the next Oxford United boss.

“Good morning, just on the golf course,” Terry said in a video shared on TikTok.

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“I’m not sure where these rumours have 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 progressing them from the youth team, to reserves, to the first team and the involvement I have in that.

“I’ve certainly not approached Oxford, 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. Up the Chels.”

Oxford sacked boss Gary Rowett two days before Christmas and had interim manager Craig Short in charge on Boxing Day.

Short led the U’s to a surprise 2-1 win at home to Southampton in the Championship, but the club remain on the lookout for a replacement.

One name in the running to take over at the Kassam Stadium is Manchester United legend John O’Shea, who talkSPORT understands is a candidate who Oxford are interested in speaking with.

O’Shea, like Terry, has never held a permanent manager’s role and is currently the Republic of Ireland’s assistant boss.

Terry had previously spoken out about the tough experience of being turned down for roles as he looks to forge a managerial career.

He has stood in as caretaker boss for his country though, while also having four other assistant jobs.

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The 44-year-old began his coaching career in 2021, working at Reading, Ireland U21s, Stoke and Birmingham.

Terry’s legendary career

Terry is a five-time Premier League title-winner and also led Chelsea to a Champions League success in 2012.

On top of that, the all-time great has five FA Cups and three League Cups in his cabinet, with his 15-trophy haul making him the most decorated Blues player ever.

In total, he spent 22 years at Chelsea and made 717 appearances, becoming an icon at the club, before retiring aged 37 in 2018.

Terry then went straight into an assistant role under Dean Smith at Aston Villa, leaving three years later in 2021.

After another two years, Terry and Smith reunited at Leicester.

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But that spell was only short and he ended up returning to Chelsea, coaching in his beloved club’s academy.

That was his last role and he’s been on the lookout for the next step up since, however, he’s had no luck so far.

Opening up on a past failed interview with Sunderland, Terry told talkSPORT in May: “I’ve got something to give. I’m not trying to be a Premier League manager overnight.

“I’d done my groundwork with Dean Smith at Aston Villa. I’ve done all my badges.

“I’ve got everything. I’m ready to go. And to hear that was a little bit disheartening, to be honest.”

How are Oxford doing this season?

Whoever is named as Rowett’s replacement will be faced with a relegation battle, as Oxford sit 21st in the Championship.

The U’s beat Southampton on Friday under interim boss Short to jump out of the relegation zone on goal difference, although 22nd-placed Portsmouth have a game in hand on Oxford.

So far this season, they have only won five of their 23 games, losing 11 and drawing the other seven.

It is looking sure to be a fight against the drop back down to League One for whoever takes charge.