SHAUN Derry has joined Oxford United as first team coach.

The 40-year-old is the first outside appointment to the U’s staff made by Karl Robinson since he took over in March.

Derry, who has been enjoying a break since a two-year spell in charge at Cambridge United ended in February, fills the gap created by Chris Allen’s move to head up the new under-23 side.

The former Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United midfielder began his managerial career at Notts County in 2013.

Now he is relishing the chance to learn in a different role in the first-team set-up alongside Robinson and fellow first team coach, Derek Fazackerley.

He said: “Since leaving Cambridge at the end of February I’ve had some fantastic time to re-evaluate and think about what the next stage would be.

"I’ve known Karl for probably six or seven years.

“I managed against him when I was at Notts County, but I knew him prior to that anyway.

“Having the respect I’ve got for the manager is important and I want to work with good people."

He added: "I had two fantastic supportive assistants – Greg Abbott at Notts County and Joe Dunne at Cambridge.

"I know what good support looks like and I want to give that support to Karl.

"He’s going to need that guidance and difference of opinion.

"There will be other times where you’ll have to leave him alone, because that’s the life of a manager.

"I just feel that I can be a real benefit and help to Karl."