DES Buckingham has praised Amy Cranston for her 12 years of dedication to Oxford United, as she prepares for her last game at the club.

United’s head of medical services is to start a new role with Manchester United Women, as head of women’s physiotherapy, and this afternoon’s game at home against Preston North End will be Cranston’s final one with the U’s.

Cranston, who is from Oxford, joined United in 2012, initially working with the academy, and progressed through the medical department.

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U’s head coach Buckingham said: “She’s been here a long, long time and was here when I was here last.

“She’s been an excellent servant to this club, and the work that she’d done over the last 12 years, she’s built that medical team, and been a big reason why we’ve been able to put the players on the pitch continually, not just this season and last, but over that period of time.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for her at Manchester United, and we wish her well, and thank her so much for all of her hard work.”

He added: “We’ve got a replacement, not in the building yet, and still working notice. We’ve made sure there’s cover in that space when Amy does move on, to make sure the players still get what they need.”