CHRIS Short has returned to Oxford United for a second spell in the club's sports science department.

The 52-year-old will work with the U’s on a short-term basis, initially until Christmas, helping out with the first team and women's side.

Short left his role as head of sports science at the end of the 2020/21 season to join Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough.

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The former Notts County and Sheffield United player took the opportunity to work closer to his family in York.

His arrival at the Riverside Stadium was announced in June 2021, but he departed following Neil Warnock’s sacking the following November.

Short kept a close eye on United, with brother Craig in his third season as assistant manager, and he has been around the club in the past few weeks.

Harry Routledge remains the U’s head of sports science after taking the vacant role last summer, while Chris Neville is still head of physical performance.

Short initially joined United from Blackpool in November 2018.