Wayne Brown, or Superman as he was nicknamed by Hereford fans, has left Oxford United.
Wayne Brown in goal for Hereford against Wrexham. Picture: Andy Compton
The League One side said Brown said long-serving coach Wayne Brown was leaving, with Hereford fans knowing him from his three years at Edgar Street.
He joined the club 12 years ago, initially as a player but then replacing "legend" Alan Hodgkinson as the first team goalkeeping coach, Oxford said.
The club thanked Brown for his hard work and wish him well for the future.
Head coach Liam Manning, appointed in March, said: “Firstly I want to thank Browny. I have known him for many years and he has done a great job here."
The circumstances surrounding Brown's departure are not clear, he said in a statement that after 30 years in football, it was time to take a break.
"I have had 12 wonderful years at your extraordinary club," he said.
"There have been numerous moments of triumph and only a few instances of disappointment.
"The friendships I have formed and the support I have received from all of you will forever astound me."
He added: "I mean this with all my heart, thank you, supporters. You have been fantastic to me in every way. Keep believing. It has been one hell of a ride."
Brown initially joined United on loan from Chester City in the 2005-06 season before signing a permanent deal and staying at Edgar Street until 2008.
During that spell, he was the first-choice keeper for Hereford in the Conference matches and was an integral part of the best defence in the Conference in his first season, conceding just 30 goals.
Becoming a fans' favourite, it was then he was nicknamed Superman.
Deep into extra time in the 2006 Conference play-off final against Halifax, he suffered a head injury. With all subs used, he continued after several minutes of treatment and even made a good save in the dying minutes to keep Hereford 3–2 up.
After the club were promoted to League One, he rejected a new deal and signed for Bury.
He then joined Supersport United in South Africa in 2010, but returned to England the following year and signed for Oxford United.
He then became the club's goalkeeping coach where he has stayed until now.