Oxford Utd: Chief executive Mark Ashton to depart the club

Oxford United chief executive Mark Ashton leaves with the club third in League Two

League Two side Oxford United have announced the departure of the club's chief executive Mark Ashton.

Ashton, who has been CEO since the summer of 2014, is expected to leave the Kassam Stadium by the end of the month.

Darryl Eales, the U's chairman and majority shareholder, will assume the role of executive chairman.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oxford, working with Darryl and Michael Appleton," Ashton said.

"I wish them and all the staff here the best of luck for the rest of the season and beyond."

Oxford are currently third in League Two and lost for the first time in 12 matches on Saturday at Wycombe.

"He leaves us in a much better state, both on and off the field, and he has played a significant part in this transformation," Eales said.

"The reality is that, having relinquished a number of other business interests, I have both the time and desire to devote to running the club, and Mark understands that, in the new structure, we would be duplicating roles."