FORMER Oxford United winger and coach Chris Allen has resigned as North Leigh manager.

The shock announcement yesterday evening came just an hour and a half after Banbury United boss Andy Whing – another former U’s player in charge of an Oxfordshire side – also resigned.

Allen revealed his resignation on Twitter, saying: “I have come to the decision to resign from my position as first team manager at North Leigh. I wish the club well for the future.”

READ ALSO: Banbury United boss Andy Whing resigns from club

The 50-year-old was appointed Millers boss in November, replacing Eddie Odhiambo who had left earlier in the month.

Odhiambo led the club to a historic promotion last May, as they reached the seventh tier of English football for the first time after beating Ware in the Southern League Central Division play-off final.

This season though, the Eynsham Park outfit struggled, and despite a spirited fight under Allen, the club finished third bottom in Southern League Premier South, four points adrift of survival.

Allen holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in the country.

He made more than 150 appearances for United, before moving to Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

During his time with the U’s, he played for England at Under-21 level.

Allen was then part of the backroom staff when the club won promotion from Sky Bet League Two in the 2015/16 season.

In October 2020, Allen left as first team coach at United.