OXFORD United have confirmed Ed Waldron will step up and replace Mark Thomas as head of recruitment.

Waldron first joined United in 2017 to work in the performance analysis department, and after a year in the recruitment team with French outfit Bordeaux, he returned to the U’s to work alongside Thomas on the recruitment team.

Thomas’ departure from United was confirmed last month as he joined fellow Sky Bet League One side Derby County.

READ AGAIN: Head of recruitment leaves Oxford United for League One rival

Waldron told the U’s club website: “I am honoured to be given the chance. We have built the department over the last few years and the structure and resources are all here to build success, we know that.

“I have spoken a lot with Liam Manning and he has been brilliant. We have a lot of work to do this summer but we will be going back to a model that plans for the next three windows and beyond.

“I speak with Derek Fazackerley every single day and have a very strong relationship with Tim [Williams, chief executive] and Grant [Ferguson, chairman].

“It’s great to have their experience, plus we have brought in a new data analyst already and we are in the process of bringing additional scouting expertise. 

“That’s exciting and to be asked to take charge of that is a wonderful opportunity.

“I have loved working for Oxford United and am passionate about what we do and how we bring in the right players to drive the whole club in the right direction.”

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Chief executive Williams added: “Grant and I have worked more closely with Ed since Mark’s departure and whilst we had been looking further afield, realised quickly that the right person was sitting alongside us.

“Ed will be supported by a very strong team around him. 

“He is knowledgeable, thorough, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of players and is known and respected throughout the game.

“He fully deserves his chance and I would also like to state how proud we should be as a club to bring in young people of a very high calibre who work so hard and then get their opportunity to step up and play a major role in shaping the future of the team and the club.”

Thomas joined United in 2014 and during his tenure, the club made a significant profit on players such as Kemar Roofe, Marvin Johnson, Gavin Whyte, Rob Dickie, Rob Atkinson and Luke McNally.