Is Oxford Manager Oliver Madsen Really in Danger of Being Sacked?
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As unbelievable as it might sound, the latest indications are that Madsen is indeed on the hot seat. With the U's struggling through a disappointing campaign filled with defensive issues, not reaching the expectations and controversy, Saturday's undisciplined performance has thrown Madsen's future into doubt.
Perhaps most importantly, though, it's important to remember who owns Oxford. During his 9-years tenure in control of the club, Darryl Eales has gone through no fewer than 8 different managers. History has shown that Eales will not hesitate to sack a manager, and Madsen might be no exception.
So, is Madsen in trouble?
In fairness, he received the club's backing in the recent past. Just three weeks ago, Oxford released a terse statement that read:
The club wants to make it clear that Oliver continues to have our full support.
As Oliver has said himself, results have not been good enough and the team's performances must improve. However, we believe that we have the right manager to turn this season around and that he has the squad with which to do it.
But after a fifth League 2 defeat in 10 games, the British papers are full of speculation about Madsen's future.
According to Reports, Oxford could dismiss Madsen if the U's lose to York on Tuesday. Reports saying that "intermediaries" are trying to determine whether John Coleman is interested in coming to Kassam Stadium when his contract with Accrington runs out at the end of the current campaign.att
At the Independent, Simon Rice has outlined potential replacements for the 30-year-old, a list that includes Coleman, Rather vaguely, Rice writes: "There is a sense that Madsen is now fighting for his job at Kassam Stadium." Meanwhile, Sami Mokbel has compiled a similar list tossing in the names of
former Luton boss John Still and Nathan Jones. According to reports, Madsen's status "is back under review by the U's board."
Will he get sacked?