SHAUN Derry will leave his role as Oxford United first-team coach at the end of the season.

The 41-year-old was brought in by U’s boss Karl Robinson last summer, but has decided to depart after just one campaign.

He will be in the United dug-out for the last time in Saturday’s final Sky Bet League One game of the season at Luton Town.

“I will be really sad to leave Oxford,” he said.

“It is a fantastic club and I have enjoyed every minute.

“Karl is an exceptional manager but also a great person to work with and I think he is just one of many people at the club who will now be my friends for life.

“I am so proud of the way we came through some tough times and the way we have ended the season.”

Derry, a former Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United midfielder began his managerial career with Notts County in 2013 before enjoying a two-year spell at Cambridge United.

But he was keen to stress his departure from Oxford is amicable.

“There are always so many conspiracies and daft ideas when anyone chooses to leave a club so it’s important to set the record straight,” he said.

“I just feel it is time to move on. At times the commute from Kent to Oxford has been challenging for me but I want to thank Tiger and Karl for giving me the opportunity and thank everybody behind the scenes.

“There are so many great people at Oxford United, the fans are amazing, and I look forward to coming back to see how the club continues to progress.”