Parents and football team managers have defended Oxford United after criticism that the professional club failed to support local clubs.

Youth team managers had complained they were given no warning when their most talented players left mid-season to compete in six-week trials for United.

They said the professional club should liaise with them before approaching children and parents.

They also called for better support for children who failed Oxford United trials, and calls were made for trials to be held at the end of the season.

But parents and other managers have now spoken in defence of the club.

Tracey Hunt of Spring Lane, Littlemore, Oxford, whose son plays for United, said: "I feel it should be parents who are approached by football talent scouts, as there are so many local team managers who are against boys joining either a school of excellence or academies.

"The option should be discussed between parents and the child. A manager should not deny a child the chance of a future.

"My son is very happy at Oxford. He is benefiting from a good standard of coaching."

Nick Truman, Carterton Rangers chairman, said: "Managers and coaches should be proud of the input they have had in helping that player to progress."

However, Mr Truman admitted there was room for improvement.

He said: "Where I feel clubs such as Oxford could do better is when a player is released.

"I know it is hard for the coach at Oxford United to tell the child, but do they realise how hurt that child can be when their dreams have just been tossed aside?"

Les Taylor, Oxford United's youth development officer, said a lot was done to help local clubs as most children who were picked for trials were trained earlier, from the age of four, by ex-United players at special soccer courses.

The children were then encouraged to join local clubs as Oxford United could not offer competitive sport for under nines.

Mr Taylor said Oxford United would lose players selected for trials if they waited until the end of season to accommodate local clubs.