SAM Rose says the ‘one-club’ approach at Oxford United was key in him taking over as boss of the Women’s side.

Former Aston Villa Women assistant Rose was unveiled as Liam Gilbert’s replacement last week, ending an almost three-month search.

Rose, who has also worked in the men’s game at the academies of Nottingham Forest and Burton Albion, has become the first ever full-time manager of the U’s Women side.

He got off to a winning start at the weekend, overseeing a 4-0 victory at Woodley United Ladies in the first round of the FA Cup.

Zoe Barratt and Jenna Legg struck in the opening period, before Barratt found the scoresheet again in the second half, alongside Sarah King.

READ ALSO: World Cup stadiums among projects Oxford United partners have worked on before

Rose also pinpointed United’s search for a new stadium as something that will boost his team in the long run.

The U’s are looking to build a new ground at ‘The Triangle’, south of Kidlington Roundabout, with the club’s licence agreement at the Kassam Stadium running out in 2026.

United have plans for a 16,000-capacity stadium and complex, which is set to include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and community plaza.

On September 19, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet approved in principle the lease of The Triangle, however a number of conditions must be met.

These include the U’s obtaining planning permission from Cherwell District Council and the production of a net zero carbon plan.

Rose said: “The early conversations that I had with Gemma [Sims, general manager] about the ambition of the programme and the club, and that one-club approach, was important to me.

“I’m an ambitious person and a competitive person, and it’s important to have that about you, but also to be at a club that matches that.

“The opportunity for a new stadium is exciting and obviously having that kind of infrastructure is going to support both the men’s and the women’s teams at the club.

“We’ve got a good youth development programme and we’re looking to lean on those players, and give those players an opportunity to come through and contribute at first team level.

“That one-club approach is really important. The fact that we’ve got good people right across those different departments, so we can bounce off each other and we can support each other, is really important.”

The Women’s side meanwhile are on the hunt for a new head coach of the development squad, due to Matt Parry stepping away from the role.

Parry, who only returned in July, worked alongside Gilbert as assistant coach when he took over in 2018.

He was previously head coach of the Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 age groups.