Oxford United: Chief strategy officer Niall McWilliams to leave at end of season
- Published
Niall McWilliams has played a key role in the U's proposed move to a new stadium
Oxford United's former managing director Niall McWilliams will step down at the end of the current season.
Having been at the club since 2017, McWilliams oversaw several milestones including the acquisition of the U's first permanent training ground.
He championed the development of the women's and academy programmes.
McWilliams also played a pivotal role in the new stadium project which saw Oxford agree a deal for 'The Triangle' site near Kidlington.
An application for a 16,000-capacity venue was submitted last month.
Since the change in ownership at the Kassam Stadium 18 months ago, the stadium project has been McWilliams' main focus as chief strategy officer.
The club recently announced its new ground would be the first all-electric stadium in the UK.
Oxford United chairman Grant Ferguson told the club website, external the U's have a lot to thank McWilliams for.
"In his early years at the club, Niall helped revitalise the commercial operations of the club and carefully guided it through the pandemic," Ferguson said.
"His knowledge of English football is as fascinating as it has been invaluable as we worked together to craft a forward-looking strategy for the club.
"Central to that strategy is the prospect of a new stadium where Niall has been instrumental in securing land on which it can be built and fostering community support for such a transformational project. The club will be forever grateful to him for this."
'The right time'
Ferguson added he was delighted that McWilliams had agreed to represent the club as an ambassador after the season ends.
McWilliams sad it had been "a privilege" to work at a club he has supported since December 1990, when he attended a 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at the old Manor Ground.
He has agreed to continue to represent the club as an ambassador with the stadium project and its community outreach work.
"I have said on many occasions that working for a club and community I care so deeply about can be difficult at times," he added. "However, I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to have made a small contribution, hopefully a positive one.
"Now that the stadium planning application has been submitted, it seems to be the right time for me to step down from my senior leadership role at the end of the season. The stadium project is being led by an experienced group of people who have a history of success in projects of this nature.
"I am also looking forward to the next stage of my career and the new challenges that may bring. I wish the club every success in the future."