OXFORD United academy manager Dan Harris will leave the club at the end of this month.

The U’s youth chief was appointed in January 2018 after working in the Premier League, English Football League and in South Korea with K-League team Seoul E-Land.

Harris has led the academy for the last four and a half seasons but says it is the right time to move on.

READ MORE: Oxford United MD looks ahead to big season off the pitch

He told United’s official website: “Moving on from a club like Oxford United is always going to be difficult and it has certainly been a real privilege to serve in the role of academy manager over the last five seasons.

“I have the upmost respect for the board, the manager and everyone associated with Oxford United and, after conversations with my family over recent weeks, know that now is the right time to step aside from my current role and take a bit of a break.

“Looking ahead, the club is in a really positive place with some outstanding people involved and I certainly want to wish Karl; the board; the staff; and all the players and fans every success as the embark on the season ahead.

“I want to finish by putting on record my thanks to everyone that I have had the privilege of working alongside during my time at the club.

“Fans sometimes aren't party to the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to move a club forward and I can certainly pay testament to the efforts put in by so many people through the challenges of the last few years.

“I wish everyone at Oxford United every success for the future and thank them for all their support - I feel privileged to have been involved with such a fantastic club."

Harris led United’s academy through the coronavirus pandemic, while several youngsters have signed professional contracts during his time in charge.

READ MORE: Gatlin O'Donkor signs first professional contract

Gatlin O’Donkor, James Golding and Tyler Goodrham are some of the latest rising stars to agree pro deals, with all three on the bench for the first-team’s Sky Bet League One defeat at Derby County on Saturday.

U’s managing director Niall McWilliams paid tribute to Harris as the club prepares for his departure.

He said: “It’s not just about developing young footballers within an academy, it is all about core values and making sure we help good footballers become good people as well.

“Having a good person at the top of the academy is key to that and Dan leaves with our thanks and very best wishes for the future.

“He will always be welcome and should be very proud of the job he has done.

“We are fortunate to have some great people already within the academy, many of them appointed by Dan, and with Les Taylor here to lend his experience we know that we are in good hands while we look at what we do next to ensure that the academy builds on what Dan has done and continues to thrive.”