Michael Appleton confirmed as leaving Oxford United for role at Leicester CIty
Tuesday 20 June 2017 21:31, UK
Oxford United have confirmed head coach Michael Appleton is to leave the club to become assistant manager at Leicester City.
Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare worked alongside Appleton as a coach at West Bromwich Albion, and targeted him after being given a new three-year contract as Leicester manager.
Appleton was appointed Oxford manager in July 2014 and achieved promotion to Sky Bet League One in his second season with the club as they finished as runners-up behind Northampton Town.
The 41-year-old, who has also managed Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn, has twice led Oxford to the Football League Trophy final, losing on both occasions.
"The opportunity to move to a Premier League club was something I felt that I couldn't turn down, which I hope fans will appreciate," he said.
"I wish everyone at Oxford the best of luck for the future, and I feel sure that the foundations are there for the club to achieve more success in the coming years."
"I have been very happy at Oxford, and would squash any ill-informed speculation that my move has anything to do with the playing budget I'd been allocated, or any uncertainty around the club's ownership. This could not be further from the truth."
