OXFORD United's Head of Sport Science Chris Short is set to join Middlesbrough as part of the club's backroom staff.

Short has worked at Oxford United since 2018 helping the team reach the League One play-offs this season.

Following their failed play-off campaign losing to Blackpool in the semi finals, Short has made the decision to leave the club to be closer to his family in York. 

The 51-year-old has previously worked with Boro boss Neil Warnock whilst he was manager of Crystal Palace in 2009 and Leeds United in 2013.

He's also had previous coaching roles with Leicester City, Bradford City and Blackpool. In his playing days, he was a former defender who spent time at Notts County, Huddersfield Town, Sheffield United and Stoke City.

He leaves Oxford United as their Head of Sport Science and it's understood he will take up a similar role on Teesside.

Short told Oxford United's official club website: "I've decided to leave the club purely for personal circumstances.

"As people may know, I live in the north of York and I've got an opportunity to go back home.

"I was offered an opportunity over a year ago and I decided to stay. A lot of people thought I was crazy.

"The last two seasons have been incredible and the players and staff are like family.

"But my actual family are still based north of York and it’s time I put them first, for once.

"An opportunity came up much closer to home and after talking it through with everyone it just feels the right time to make that move back home.

“I am going to miss everyone but the club is in such good hands and I am sure it can only go forward from here.”

Warnock will be satisfied at the appointment of a familiar face in Short as he cements all the foundations for Boro to mount a Championship promotion push next season.

A handful of Boro's first team players have been back at the club's training ground for weekly training sessions.