OXFORD United are seeking a community director to spearhead plans to revamp the club’s involvement across the county.

The existing youth and community trust will be expanded and the full-time role will work with a new board of trustees bringing expertise from the worlds of business, education, health and local government.

United have already shown a desire to engage with the local area, including giving 2,000 tickets to schoolchildren for Saturday’s 2-1 win against Bury.

But chief executive Mark Ashton is planning something far more comprehensive.

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He said: “I think football clubs have a responsibility to put something back.

“This is a full commitment by the board to get involved, but also from the football staff, the players, everyone.

“We will go in and do coaching clinics, education and health programmes, we will go in with organised opportunities for families to watch football with us and leave a legacy.”

It will be formally launched at a gala dinner held at the Kassam Stadium in March.

Ashton was involved with similar programmes at West Bromwich Albion and Watford and is looking for the right person to repeat those successes.

“At both of those clubs there is real legacy left in that work and it goes on forever,” he said.

“Like anything it’s going to take time, but we are committed to effort, energy and resource.

“This is the best job in the club and I’m brave enough to say it will be one of the best jobs advertised in English football.”

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