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Two former Swansea City managers in the frame for Oxford United job as Russell Martin made odds‑on favourite

Betano have Martin as the odds‑on favourite to land the job, with Sheehan priced at 4/1.

Russell Martin: From Swansea rebuild to Oxford favourite

Martin, who managed Swansea City between 2021 and 2023, is now tipped to make a rapid return to management after a turbulent spell north of the border.

During his two seasons at the Swansea.com Stadium, Martin oversaw a full‑scale stylistic rebuild, implementing his trademark possession‑heavy approach. His tenure produced eye‑catching football at times — including a late surge in the 2022/23 season — but also inconsistency and defensive frailty that frustrated supporters.

He left SA1 in the summer of 2023 to join Southampton, then in the Premier League, before taking charge at Rangers. That move lasted just four months, ending after what Scottish media described as a disastrous start to the season.

Now, with Oxford United sitting in the relegation zone and searching for a reset, Martin has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at the Kassam Stadium.

Alan Sheehan: Former Swans boss also in contention

Also in the running is Alan Sheehan, who had a short and bruising spell in charge of Swansea earlier this season.

Sheehan was appointed in February 2025 and guided the club to safety last season, but his second campaign unravelled quickly. A 4–1 defeat to Ipswich Town left Swansea 21st in the Championship, and he was sacked three days later.

Despite that, Sheehan remains highly regarded in coaching circles and has already held talks with Oxford United, according to reports in Oxfordshire. The club are said to be keen to speak to him formally as they weigh up their options.

Betano odds – next Oxford United manager

Russell Martin
4/6

Will Still
6/4

Alan Sheehan
4/1

Matt Bloomfield
6/1

Oxford’s search intensifies

Oxford United dismissed Gary Rowett just before Christmas after a run of one win in ten matches left them deep in relegation trouble. Caretaker boss Craig Short has overseen a win over Southampton and a defeat to Swansea during the interim periodOxford Mail.

With the club eager to stabilise quickly, both former Swansea managers are now serious contenders — but Martin’s odds suggest he is the man most likely to get the call.

More football news

Former Swansea City manager Terry Yorath dies aged 75
Tributes paid across football after the death of the Wales legend.

Swansea City’s late fightback stuns Ipswich
The Swans come from behind in a dramatic Championship clash.

New Swansea City signing makes instant impact
January arrival shines on debut as the Swans secure vital points.

Wales boss names squad for crunch qualifier
Key selections and surprise omissions ahead of a must‑win match.

Former Swansea City manager and Wales legend Terry Yorath dies aged 75

The Cardiff‑born midfielder, who became one of Welsh football’s most respected figures both on and off the pitch, enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned Leeds United’s glory years, 59 caps for Wales, and two spells in the Swansea City dugout.

A giant of Welsh football

Yorath came through the ranks at Leeds United under Don Revie, becoming a key part of the side that won the First Division title in 1974 and reached multiple European and domestic finals. He made 199 appearances for the club before spells with Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, Vancouver Whitecaps and Bradford City.

He captained Wales 42 times and later managed the national side, famously taking them to the brink of the 1994 World Cup before an agonising defeat to Romania ended their hopes.

Swansea City: promotion, pride and a lasting legacy

In Swansea, Yorath is remembered as the manager who steadied the club during a turbulent era and delivered promotion from the Fourth Division in 1988. He briefly returned for a second spell in charge during the early 1990s, juggling club duties with managing Wales.

He also made a single league appearance for the Swans in 1986 — the final match of his playing career.

His time in management took him across Wales and beyond, including Bradford City, Cardiff City, Lebanon, Sheffield Wednesday and Margate.

A career touched by tragedy

Yorath was assistant coach at Bradford City during the Valley Parade fire in 1985, helping evacuate supporters before being injured himself while escaping the burning stand.

In 1992, he suffered the devastating loss of his 15‑year‑old son Daniel, who collapsed while playing football at home. Yorath later spoke openly about the profound impact of Daniel’s death on his life.

Family pays tribute

His children — Gabby, Louise and Jordan — said in a statement:

“To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.”

Yorath’s death came hours after his daughter, BBC presenter Gabby Logan, was forced to leave Wednesday night’s Match of the Day broadcast due to a family emergency.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren Reuben, Lois, Mila, Phoenix and Paloma.

Tributes from across football

Leeds United said they were “devastated” by the news, while former players and clubs across the UK and abroad paid tribute to a “no‑nonsense leader”, a “gentleman”, and a man who shaped Welsh football for generations.

Yorath was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

Swansea City confirm Vítor Matos as new head coach

The 37‑year‑old Portuguese coach arrives from Marítimo on a contract running until the summer of 2029 and will take charge of Tuesday’s Championship fixture against Derby County.

Matos was identified as the club’s preferred candidate after what Swansea described as a “thorough but concise” recruitment process. His arrival follows a period of uncertainty in the dugout, with Darren O’Dea stepping in as interim boss for one game after Alan Sheehan’s departure earlier this month

Background and experience

Matos brings significant experience from elite football environments. He spent five years at Liverpool as elite development coach under Jürgen Klopp and Pep Lijnders, helping bridge the gap between academy and first team. During that period, Liverpool won the Premier League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups, while Matos worked closely with emerging talents including Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Neco Williams.

He began his coaching career at FC Porto, spent time in China, and most recently managed Marítimo, where he reshaped their playing style and guided them into the upper reaches of Liga Portugal 2. He also holds a UEFA Pro Licence completed with the Football Association of Wales.

Swansea’s coaching carousel — from Sheehan to Matos

Alan Sheehan sacked
Swansea parted company with head coach Alan Sheehan earlier this month after a poor run of results.

Darren O’Dea interim appointment
Former Celtic defender Darren O’Dea stepped in as caretaker boss for one game before leaving the club.

Interim defeat at Bristol City
O’Dea’s only match in charge ended in a 2–1 loss away at Bristol City.

Speculation and bookies odds
Russell Martin, Kim Hellberg and Brendan Rodgers were all linked during the search for a new head coach.

Matos release clause confirmed
Portuguese club Marítimo confirmed Swansea had paid Vítor Matos’s €1m release clause.

Appointment made official
Swansea City have now confirmed Vítor Matos as head coach on a contract until 2029.

Swansea’s tradition of young coaches

Swansea City CEO Tom Gorringe said Matos was the standout candidate:

“We spoke to a range of candidates and Vítor was the clear stand‑out with a cohesive plan of how to take our squad forward and improve. He is committed to playing an attacking brand of football, and to developing players technically and tactically, and we are sure supporters are going to enjoy watching his Swansea City team in action.”

The appointment continues Swansea’s long‑standing tradition of backing ambitious, technically‑focused young coaches — a lineage that has included Roberto Martínez, Brendan Rodgers, and Russell Martin.

Backroom changes

The club confirmed that Leon Britton has joined the coaching team on a short‑term basis, while Joe Allen will also assist with the transition. Darren O’Dea and Richard Stearman have left the club following their interim roles, with Swansea thanking them for their efforts.

Matos will lead Swansea for the first time on Tuesday night against Derby County, with supporters eager to see how his high‑intensity, possession‑based style translates to the Championship.

#alanSheehan #csMaritimo #darrenOdea #swanseaCityFc #swanseaCityHeadCoach #swanseaCityManager #vitorMatos

Vítor Matos to become Swansea City head coach as Portuguese club confirms €1m release clause paid

In a statement issued late on Friday, Marítimo said the 37-year-old coach would depart immediately to “assume the technical command” of Swansea City, adding that the Welsh club had paid the full termination fee required to complete the move.

Matos, who previously worked under Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool and alongside Pep Lijnders at RB Salzburg, has impressed in his first senior managerial role, guiding Marítimo to third in Portugal’s second tier. The club thanked him for his “professionalism, dedication and contribution” and wished him success in his new role.

Swansea yet to confirm appointment

Despite Marítimo’s announcement, Swansea City have not yet issued a formal statement. The club confirmed earlier this week that Darren O’Dea would oversee Saturday’s away fixture at Bristol City, continuing in his interim role.

The Swans had previously pursued Kim Hellberg, who is now expected to join Middlesbrough, and were linked with former managers Russell Martin and Brendan Rodgers during the search for a new head coach.

Matos seen as a long-term rebuild figure

Sources close to the club suggest Matos is viewed as a strategic appointment, with a focus on squad development and long-term stability. His experience in elite youth coaching and tactical innovation is expected to align with Swansea’s evolving footballing philosophy.

What it means for fans

If confirmed, Matos would become the Swans’ third permanent head coach in under 18 months. His arrival could signal a shift toward continental coaching methods and a renewed emphasis on player development.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Darren O’Dea takes interim charge at Swansea City
Former Celtic defender steps in as interim head coach while the Swans continue their search for a permanent appointment.

Russell Martin emerges as bookies’ favourite
Ex-Swans boss tipped for a sensational return after Kim Hellberg is linked with Middlesbrough.

Swans step up pursuit of Kim Hellberg
Swansea City made a move for the Swedish coach before Middlesbrough swooped in.

Could Brendan Rodgers make a Swansea return?
Speculation grows over whether the former Swans manager could be tempted back to the club.

Alan Sheehan sacked as Swansea City head coach
Swansea City parted ways with Sheehan earlier this month after a poor run of results.

#csMaritimo #portugal #swanseaCityFc #swanseaCityManager #vitorMatos

Darren O’Dea takes interim charge at Swansea City as hunt for new head coach continues

The 38‑year‑old steps in following the departure of Alan Sheehan, who was sacked earlier this month. O’Dea will be assisted by Martyn Margetson, Kris O’Leary and Richard Stearman as the Swans prepare for Saturday’s Championship trip to Bristol City.

In a statement, the club said:

“Swansea City can confirm Darren O’Dea will be in interim charge of the men’s first team while the recruitment process for a new head coach remains ongoing.”

Recruitment battle

The interim appointment comes as Swansea continue their efforts to secure a new boss. As Swansea Bay News has previously reported, Russell Martin, Kim Hellberg and Brendan Rodgers were all linked with a return to SA1 in recent weeks.

Attention has now turned to Portuguese coach Vítor Matos, currently in charge of Marítimo. According to Wales Online, Swansea have already held talks with the 37‑year‑old, but his club insist he will only be allowed to leave if his €1 million release clause is met.

Marítimo president Carlos André Gomes said in a statement:

“Marítimo da Madeira SAD guarantees that Vítor Matos will remain at the club, despite interest from other institutions… his departure can only occur upon full payment of the €1 million release clause, without exceptions or parallel negotiations.”

The Madeiran side, who sit third in Portugal’s second tier, return to action against F.C. Penafiel on Sunday, with uncertainty over whether Matos will still be in the dugout.

What’s next for the Swans

Swansea City say they will update supporters once a permanent appointment has been made. For now, O’Dea will lead the team into a crucial run of fixtures, with fans watching closely to see whether the club can resolve its managerial situation before the busy winter schedule.

#alanSheehan #darrenOdea #swanseaCityFc #swanseaCityManager #vitorMatos