Ex-Rangers boss Michael Beale sees odds slashed for manager’s job after shortlist update

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Credit: Imago Mon 29 December 2025 8:20, UK Michael Beale is yet to take up another managerial position since he was sacked by Sunderland in 2024.Despite a short and successful spell at QPR in his first managerial role, stints at Rangers and Sunderland have gone terribly.In fact, Beale is still not held in high regard by the Rangers fanbase, despite him being Steven Gerrard’s assistant when they last won the Scottish Premiership in 2021.Nevertheless, the former Aston Villa assistant has continued to be linked with jobs, with Oxford United the latest.Rangers Football Club can confirm it has parted company with men’s first-team manager, Michael Beale.— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 1, 2023 Michael Beale favourite for Oxford United jobOxford United sacked Gary Rowett last week after a poor start to the season for the U’s.As it stands, the sit just one place above the relegation zone, only keeping their heads above water on goal-difference.Despite overseeing a win in their last match against Southampton 2-1, it has since been confirmed by Craig Short via the Oxford Mail on 28 December, that the caretaker manager is not on the shortlist for the job. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES — Oxford United (@OUFCOfficial) December 23, 2025 Now, with the race heating up for the job, Beale has emerged as the favourite for the position.According to one bookmaker, the former Rangers boss is the clear favourite for the Oxford United job, with the odds just 7/4Oddschecker has confirmed on 29 December that these odds have been slashed, with Beale being 8/1 for the Oxford United position last week.Who else is in the running for the Oxford United job?There are plenty of other contenders for the position if Beale did not get the job.The current joint second favourites are Paddy McCarthy and Tony Mowbray, who are both 3/1 to take over.Former favourite Liam Manning is still in the race at 7/2, while Matt Bloomfield and Karl Robinson have not been ruled out at 5/1.Credit: ImagoThis appointment could be the most important at Oxford United in their recent history as they look to avoid a quick return to the third tier despite successfully staying up last season.Therefore, the U’s need to ensure that whoever they bring in is the right man, or their fate could soon be sealed.