MICHAEL Appleton admitted it was a tough decision to end his three-year stay at Oxford United.

The former U’s head coach said the lure of working in the Premier League was too good to turn down, but would look back with pride on his time at the Kassam Stadium.

“I would like to place on record my appreciation for all the support I have had from the board, staff, players and fans of Oxford United during my three years here,” he said in a statement.

“In particular, I’d like to pay tribute to Darryl, who has been unfailingly supportive to me, making the funds available to build a team which won promotion and went to Wembley twice.

“I have been very happy at Oxford, and would squash any ill-informed speculation that my move has anything to do with the playing budget I’d been allocated, or any uncertainty around the club’s ownership.

This could not be further from the truth.

“The opportunity to move to a Premier League club was something I felt that I couldn’t turn down, which I hope fans will appreciate.

“I wish everyone at Oxford the best of luck for the future, and I feel sure that the foundations are there for the club to achieve more success in the coming years.”