OXFORD United chairman Grant Ferguson has addressed the departures of a key duo from the club.

Chris Williams and Niall McWilliams are among a handful of notable senior figures to exit the U’s in recent weeks and months.

Williams left his role as communications manager after 23 years of service, to become general manager of Vanarama National League side Oxford City, while McWilliams is to step down at the end of the season.

The former managing director was instrumental in United acquiring their Horspath Road training ground, plus getting the land deal for The Triangle.

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At last night’s fans’ forum, Ferguson said: “Chris Williams and Niall McWilliams both became good friends of mine in a relatively short period of time.

“Chris is moving to a job that frankly we didn’t have for him at the club. It’s a great job, and I was not going to stand in the way of somebody who wants to move on and challenge themselves in something different.

“Niall came to me a year ago and said he was tired. It’s hard work running a football club.

“I talked him into extending it for a year, until we got the land deal done, and a couple of other key projects he was working on.

“He extended for a year, and when he came back a year later, I tried to get him to extend again, but Niall has moved of his own accord and for the right reasons.”

U’s chief executive Tim Williams added: “It’s really important that in this club, we create an environment where people can develop and grow professionally and personally, with appropriate training.

“We are investing in people, but the journey we’re on here is not easy. Running a football club is not easy.”