OXFORD United have appointed Professor Lionel Tarassenko as a director.

The 59-year-old is head of engineering science at Oxford University and sits on the university council.

While the move should help strengthen ties with the institution and Tarassenko has experience of running major projects, the Paris-born academic (pictured) is no stranger to United.

He said: “I’ve been a fan since the 1983/84 season, when I was doing my doctorate at the John Radcliffe Hospital and started going to the Manor Ground.

“I have watched the club in five divisions, from the old First Division to the Conference, and have been a season ticket holder since 2002/03.

“I look forward to working closely with the chairman and bringing my university expertise to help the development of the club in a number of areas.”

U’s chairman Darryl Eales said: “Lionel will bring a wealth of local, national and international knowledge and experience to the board as we seek to take the club forward both on and off the pitch.”