Oxford United can confirm that Head Coach Liam Manning is to leave the club with immediate effect after deciding to join Bristol City. Also departing is his assistant Chris Hogg.
Men’s First Team Coach Craig Short will take on the role of interim Head Coach, supported by former player and current Academy Coach Chris Hackett.
Chairman Grant Ferguson said, “We reluctantly gave Bristol City permission to speak with Liam after he indicated he wanted to discuss their vacant managerial position with them.
“The club did everything it could to keep him here, but we move on and the project continues. Our focus now is to quickly appoint Liam's successor and support Craig as interim Head Coach.”
Tim Williams, Oxford United’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “I am hugely disappointed to be losing Liam and Chris at this stage of the season, particularly given the support they had been given.
“However, we have already begun the process of securing the best possible candidate to replace Liam. This is a fantastic club with great training facilities and an exciting future – I have no doubt we will have huge interest in the role.”