Oxford United chairman Nick Merry has stepped down from his role, replaced by former director Kelvin Thomas.

Merry will remain as a non-executive director at United, as they look to improve on a poor start to the season.

Thomas left the club following their Conference play-off semi-final defeat by Exeter in 2007 to move to Florida.

He told the club website: "Nick has put a huge amount to the club he so obviously loves - anyone can see how the pressures have taken their toll."

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Merry, a former United youth team player, took over the club in March 2006 but was unable to prevent them suffering relegation to the Conference that season.

And Thomas, who has returned to England to take over the running of the club on a full-time basis, is hoping a deal can be reached to buy the Kassam Stadium, the club's home, from former chairman Firoz Kassam.

"I strongly feel the acquisition of the stadium and conference centre is the key to Oxford United becoming independent and self-sufficient.

"A mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship with Mr Kassam is fundamental to that acquisition."