As Oxford United continues to develop in preparation for the Championship, we are delighted to announce structural changes to the Men’s & Women’s First Team and Youth Academy.
Through a continuous review of the current structures, these changes are part of the club’s commitment to constantly improve standards on and off the field.
Firstly, we are pleased to confirm that Ed Waldron will take up a new title as Head of Football Operations for the Men’s First Team.
Ed joined the club in 2017 to work in the performance analysis department, and following a year with Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, Ed returned and has led as Head of Recruitment since March 2023.
Ed has been a key figure in developing a highly professional and strategic recruitment department and has been vital in building an exciting Men’s First Team squad, which brought the club back to the Championship for the first time in 25 years.
Whilst Ed will continue to lead on player recruitment, this change will provide a more defined structure across the Men’s First Team and wider football department.
Stevie Kinniburgh will also take up a new role as Head of Football Development. Stevie’s responsibilities as Head of the Men’s Academy will remain, and he will work closely with Ed to continuously improve and develop the club’s infrastructure.
Also, as part of the positional restructuring, Stevie will manage and oversee the development of the Boys, Girls and Woman’s programme, creating pathways for the next generation of Oxford United players.
Initially joining the club as a player in 2009, Stevie returned as Head of Academy in 2022, and this change continues to demonstrate the club’s commitment to developing those within Oxford United.
The Men’s First Team will also continue to develop following the appointment of club legend and Men’s record goalscorer James Constable as First Team Player Liaison Manager.
Working alongside Des Buckingham & Ed Waldron, James will make a key contribution to the football department, managing the player care process in off-field areas such as accommodation, banking, schooling and much more.
James is an extremely valued member of the club amongst the football department, playing group and supporter base, and his appointment will develop an elite environment to enhance the Men’s First Team squad.
One further change within the football department comes in Head of Medical Services, Amy Cranston, leaving the club after 12 years with the club.
Amy is set to take on an exciting role as Head of Women’s Physiotherapy at Manchester United Women, and this change is a fantastic recognition of the outstanding work and dedication she has given to Oxford United.
Starting in 2012 with the Youth Academy for Girls and Boys, Amy worked her way through the medical department before becoming Head of Medical Services at the start of the 2018/19 season.
She will continue to support the club through the first month of the Championship season as we look to appoint a new Head of Medical Services, and we wish Amy every success in her new position.
Tim Williams, Chief Executive Officer, said: “There is a constant drive and demand within this football club to strive for better, and during our continuous reviews of our footballing structures, we are now delighted to make these changes.
“Ed, Stevie and James are all extremely important people within Oxford United, and these changes to their roles reflect the immense dedication and hard work they provide each day to make this club better.
“As we go into the Championship season, this is not a moment for us to stand still, and these changes signify our responsibility to ensure Oxford United has the best structures and practices in place to make this club stronger.
“I am absolutely delighted that we continue to invest in the right people and the correct processes, and it shows our commitment to developing people within our organisation.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Amy for everything she has put into this football club over her 12 years of service.
“Amy is one of the hardest working people I have met in her industry, but more than that, she is also an extremely good person who will be missed by all those connected with the club.
“Amy leaves with our absolute blessing and we wish her nothing but success, as we continue to do everything we can to appoint the highest quality replacement.
“Overall, this is a very exciting time for the club on the pitch, and off it, we are continuing to develop our structures and culture to bring more success in the years ahead.”