JUSTIN Merritt has stepped down as first team manager of Oxford City.

Merritt took up the post in 2014, guiding City to sixth in National League North and then 12th in National League South last season.

He will remain the club’s general manager, focused on off-field matters, with coach Mark Jones stepping up to take charge of the first team, on a caretaker basis.

In a statement on the club’s website, Merritt said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their support in the past few years and we have enjoyed some fine football, excellent players and ups and downs along the way.

"I am really looking forward to the next chapter with Oxford City.”