Malcolm Crosby is to leave his role at Oxford United at the end of his contract.

The former U’s assistant manager, who helped guide the club to promotion alongside Denis Smith in 1996, returned to the club last May as head of recruitment/youth development.

Crosby, who worked in a scouting capacity, said that Oxford would always be a club he holds much affection for.

“I have really enjoyed my time back at the club,” he said. “It is a club that will always be close to my heart.

“I will be looking at both scouting and coaching opportunities going forward and look forward to coming back to Oxford.

“I wish the club nothing but the best for the future.”

Chairman Kelvin Thomas added: “We thank Malcolm for his hard work.

“He has a wealth of experience in the game and we know that he will be pursuing other options.

“He will always be welcome at Oxford United.”

Crosby enjoyed a brief stint as caretaker manager of United at the Manor Ground at the end of 1997, having in 1991 taken Sunderland to the FA Cup final, also as a caretaker manager.

He enjoyed spells as assistant manager at York, Middlesbrough and Northampton, among others.

* UNITED’S League Two fixture at home to Morecambe has been brought forward from Easter Saturday to Good Friday, March 29 (3pm).