FORMER Worcester City player Andy Awford has left his post as first-team coach at Oxford United with immediate effect.

Awford, who still holds the record as the youngest player to line up in an FA Cup tie, was yesterday told he was no longer part of the Conference club's plans.

Oxford, second in the table, announced a surprise restructuring that involved axing the reserve team and promoting youth coach Darren Patterson in place of Awford.

It was felt Patterson was a better long-term prospect to continue his work with the youngsters now pushing for a first-team place.

Awford, who has left along with reserve team coach Shaun North, said the decision came out of the blue.

The 34-year-old admitted: "I was a little surprised and a little bit disappointed but it was made clear to me that my future wasn't at Oxford and I couldn't work at Oxford under that.

"I am the sort of person that wants to put my whole heart into something and it would have been difficult knowing I wasn't part of next season's plans.

"They are second in the league and hopefully they are going to go up via the play-offs and I still hope the club do that."

Oxford boss Jim Smith said: "I feel very sad for Andy and Shaun. It's a sad day for me but decisions have to be made.

"I feel very upset about it but football is at times a vicious game and decisions have to be made."

Awford was last month awarded a testimonial by Premiership club Portsmouth after spending 15 years at the south coast outfit.