OXFORD United have appointed Craig Short as first-team coach.

The 52-year-old joins Karl Robinson’s backroom team to replace Derek Fazackerley, who stepped down from first-team duties to take up a new role at the club this week.

Short’s brother Chris has been on the staff since November 2018 as United’s head of physical performance.

He had been commuting from Bicester to Derby County as their under 23s coach, but spent some time with the U's as they prepared for the play-offs last month.

And with Fazackerley creating a space on the staff, boss Karl Robinson offered him a chance to get back into a first-team environment.

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The location was attractive, but it was much more than that which swung it.

Short said: "It was just the feedback I was getting from Chris all the time.

"It was nice that time I came in to do my CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and I had a good feel for it.

"It was still a difficult call to make to my old boss Darren Wassall, because we have a good relationship and it's a secure job.

"But then you look at this club and it's a young squad and Karl is developing them.

"I know one or two have gone on to a higher level but you've still been competitive."

A centre back by trade, Craig Short played in the Premier League with Everton and Blackburn Rovers.

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He went on to have a brief spell managing Notts County in 2010, but has been at Derby County since 2015.

Stepping into Fazackerley's shoes will be strange, but Short revealed it was not the first time.

He said: "The favourite time of my playing career was at Blackburn, where Derek is the all-time record appearance holder.

"He played in my position and we both had the No 6 shirt. We just had a joke then that I was his boot boy. 

"I feel blessed he's still here and I can learn from him.

"He was talking the other day how many top managers he's worked for but he's very calm and self-deprecating. He's a good man.

"It will still be great to lean on Derek and I'm glad he's staying."