Departing director Kelvin Thomas (pictured) returned to the United States today insisting Oxford United Football Club "is in good hands" and is "going forward".

Thomas was one of the triumverate - along with chairman Nick Merry and manager Jim Smith - who took over the club 15 months ago from former owner Firoz Kassam.

In his time at United, Thomas saw bridges built and partnerships with the local business community develop on an unprecedented scale. Indeed, he played a major part in it happening - to the extent where, locally, Oxford United was no longer a dirty word.

And despite the disappointment of missing out on promotion back to the Football League, following the U's painful Conference play-off semi-final defeat by Exeter, fans and sponsors throughout Oxfordshire have demonstrated they are still eager to support their local club. That gives Thomas a feeling of great satisfaction as he returns to Fort Myers, Florida with wife Liza, daughter Chloe, 5, and son Conor, 2.

"The support of the local community in regard to the fans and businesses here has been fantastic," Thomas said.

"Our goal when we came was to give the club back to the community and we have gone a long way towards doing that.

"The club is staying committed to going forward. I'm very confident in the management team that's in place, and hopefully the community will show that commitment again.

"The early signs are very encouraging," he added. "Season ticket sales have been good, and there are new people buying season tickets, it's not just renewals.

"In addition, the majority of (executive) box holders have renewed, and again, there are one or two new ones as well."

Various aspects of Thomas's work at United are being taken on by different people, with secretary and general manager Mick Brown taking over his admin duties, Simon Lenagan the youth development and football in the community (FITC) work and Merry some of the commercial undertakings.

And financial backer Ian Lenagan, regarded as the 'sleeping partner' in Woodstock Holdings' purchase of Oxford United 15 months ago, is now taking on a more public role.

"Nick will still be the more public figure, but the fact that Ian has got more involved is a benefit to Oxford United," Thomas said. "Ian went to quite a few games last season, home and away, it's just that he wasn't always seen!"

One of the big innovations to emerge last year was the link-up between United and New Hampshire-based Seacoast United, with ambitious future plans for young players to cross over between England and America to benefit both clubs.

Thomas played a major part in setting it up, yet his leaving doesn't mean the end of the scheme by any means, he says.

Youth development and FITC co-ordinator, Owen McGovern, will fly to the States in two-to-three weeks time to set out a timetable for the exchanges, with a group of United youth team players and Centre of Excellence youngsters following in a trip to America possibly early next year.

An exchange of coaches is also planned, while youngsters from Seacoast United may then visit Oxford in 2008, most likely at Easter.

Famous for the screaming volley he hit in Peter Rhoades-Brown's testimonial against a Chelsea XI, Kelvin and his family got to love the area here. But they also missed Florida.

He returns to continue his business interests Stateside, which include Merry's mining company.

"It's been a very positive time for us over here. We got to know Oxford, Woodstock and the people around and they have been great.

"There are fantastic people working for the football club. They are true Oxford United people.

"The most encouraging thing is that you've got people working there who are passionate about their sport, and about Oxford United - and that can take you a long way."