Oxford United can confirm that Niall McWilliams has taken the decision to step down from his leadership role with the club at the end of the current season in order to pursue other interests.
Appointed Managing Director in 2017, Niall has overseen a number of landmark developments in the club's history including the acquisition of Oxford United's first permanent training ground and championing the development of the Women's football programme. He has also made a significant contribution to the Academy Development Programme which has led to an increase in home grown talent making first team debuts, revenue generation from Academy player sales, and much improved results in the FA Youth Cup.
Perhaps his most notable achievement though was leading the key first stage of the new stadium project which saw the club agree a deal for 'The Triangle' site on which to build a future home for the club.
Chairman, Grant Ferguson, commented: "Niall has not only been a great leader of this club but a true fan, and will leave an indelible legacy. Much of the work he has done to improve the club he joined 7 years ago goes on largely unnoticed behind the scenes but, for sure, it is appreciated.
"In his early years at the club, Niall helped revitalise the commercial operations of the club and carefully guided it through the pandemic. His commitment to health and safety, safeguarding and player welfare, as well as integrating the club into local communities in Oxfordshire makes us a leader in these key areas. His knowledge of English football is as fascinating as it has been invaluable as we worked together to craft a forward-looking strategy for the club.
"Central to that strategy is the prospect of a new stadium where Niall has been instrumental in securing land on which it can be built and fostering community support for such a transformational project. The club will be forever grateful to him for this.
"I am pleased to say that beyond the end of this season, Niall has agreed to represent the Club as an ambassador, a role which will see him advise on our community work and aspects of the stadium project. He will also continue to serve on the board of Oxford United in the Community. Thank you, Niall."
Niall said: "I have been an Oxford United supporter since the moment I walked into the Manor Ground in December 1990 to watch a 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. Promotion back to the league at Wembley, last minute wins in our play-off seasons and recent matches against Manchester City and Newcastle United are some of the games that will forever live in my memory.
"It has been a privilege to have worked with Oxford United, a club that means so much to me and my family. I remain very grateful to Darryl Eales who asked me to join the club in 2017, to Tiger who I worked closely with, as well as to all subsequent owners and directors who have been supportive of the decisions that we have had to make, particularly Grant, whose support and encouragement in our efforts to secure the land on which a new stadium can be built has been invaluable to me and the project. I have said on many occasions that working for a club and community I care so deeply about can be difficult at times. However, I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to have made a small contribution, hopefully a positive one.
"Now that the stadium planning application has been submitted, it seems to be the right time for me to step down from my senior leadership role at the end of the season. The stadium project is being led by an experienced group of people who have a history of success in projects of this nature. I am delighted to still contribute to a project that means so much to me when the club thinks necessary and continue to be involved in its community outreach with OUitC. I am also looking forward to the next stage of my career and the new challenges that may bring. I wish the club every success in the future."