CHRIS Allen will take charge of Oxford United’s new under 23 side next season as part of Karl Robinson’s reshuffle.

The former winger has been part of the first-team coaching set-up for three years, following a spell as youth team boss.

His move makes room for a new appointment to work with manager Robinson and his assistant, Derek Fazackerley, which is expected to be confirmed shortly.

Allen will have an important role working with the new group when United move into their training ground at Horspath in July.

Trials were held at Marsh Lane this week as United look to fill ten spaces in the squad.

Robinson said: “It will also be made up with the younger players in my first-team squad and every two weeks there will be a three-player rotation from the under 18s.

“So we’ll enhance the development of the under 18s, we have 14 players training every day with Chris and their own programme.”

To remain flexible, United will not be entering a formal league structure – with Robinson setting his sights high over potential opponents.

Robinson said: “We’ll enter competitive cup competitions, but we believe that if we can go to a Liverpool one week and then Oxford City, Ipswich and Spurs (it is better).

“Why can’t we look abroad and bring a Barcelona team here so the fans can see what that looks like?

“MK Dons did it last month with the under 15 Real Madrid team.

“We’ll have a budget available with not joining a league to do really extravagant things which this club has never done before.

“We’ll be really creative.”

Allen said: “I think it’s a sign of intent from the club and a really exciting development.

“I am passionate about helping young footballers improve and make their way into the first team and there is nothing better than seeing a player you have worked with go on and establish himself as a professional.

“With the new training ground we have first-class facilities and room for everyone to flourish.”

Robinson is aiming to add another coach and bring in a second new member of staff to work in the backroom.

He said: “We’ve spoken to who we want to bring in and hopefully we can tie things up.

“With all the staff I’ve had a right good look at everything.

“Now we’re going to try to build on what we’ve already got.

“We feel the people we’ll be bringing in will make us better.”