LEON Blackmore-Such has been promoted to the role of Oxford United's first-team coach.

The 29-year-old worked with the senior squad last season and moves on from his role as Lead PDP coach at the U's academy.

Blackmore-Such will assist head coach Karl Robinson and assistant Craig Short, with John Mousinho remaining in a player-coach role.

He has helped United's Under 18s win two league titles in the last three years, but his association with the club stretches back to when he was nine-years-old.

Read also: Darren Purse steps up to Under 19s coach after Leon Blackmore-Such promotion

After working his way up through the ranks, Blackmore-Such is ready to grasp his latest opportunity.

He said: "First and foremost, I want to thank the manager and Craig and all the staff for supporting me and giving me the chance.

"I started out part time 13 years ago, joined full time nine years ago and I have been fortunate to work with so many fantastic people who have helped and supported me along the way.

“We all work together, and that is so important, so it is great to show once again that there is a clear pathway for people within the football club.

“I enjoyed working with the first-team last season and can’t wait to get started again next week when we start training again and get ready for an exciting new season.”

Robinson added: “Leon is an outstanding coach and did really well when he stepped up to work with the first-team last season.

"He is bright and innovative, works extremely hard and fully deserves a chance to make his mark with the first-team.”

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Blackmore-Such has been replaced by Darren Purse, who will lead the Under 19s alongside Chris Hackett next season.

Meanwhile, Andy Caton also makes the step up from the academy to join Andy Cranston's medical team.

The 33-year-old is the son of Tommy Caton, who played for United in Division One between 1986 and 1988.

Robinson said: “I’m sure it’s a very proud moment for Andy, with his dad having played for the club in the top division.

"Again he stepped up last season and did really well and it’s important that we help develop young coaches and staff and put their development first."

Caton added: “It was great to get the opportunity to work with the first-team last season and I’m delighted to make that permanent.

"I want to thank Dan Harris and the entire staff at the academy who are doing outstanding work.

"With pre-season about to start it’s an exciting time for everyone at the club.”

Caton's move sees Sam Coleman and Tiarnan Abrahams join the academy's medical set-up.