Oxford United F.C. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Oxford United

Full name	Oxford United Football Club
Nickname(s)	The U's Yellows
Founded	27 October 1893; 131 years ago (1893-10-27) (as Headington F.C.)
Ground	Kassam Stadium
Ground Capacity	12,573
Owner	Erick Thohir and Anindya Bakrie
Chairman	Grant Ferguson
Manager	Des Buckingham
League	League One
2018–19	League One, 12th of 24
Home colours Away colours Third colours

Oxford United Football Club is a professional football team from Oxford, England. The club plays in the EFL Championship, which is the second highest league in English football. They were promoted to this league in 2024 after winning the play-off final.

The club started in 1893 as Headington Football Club. They changed their name to Oxford United in 1960. Their nickname is "The U's". Since 2001, they have played their home games at the Kassam Stadium. Before that, they played at the Manor Ground.

Oxford United joined the Football League in 1962. They won the Southern Football League before joining. In 1968, they reached the Second Division. After being relegated in 1976, they had a great run from 1984 to 1986. They won back-to-back promotions to the First Division. They also won the League Cup in 1986. However, they could not play in the UEFA Cup because English clubs were banned from European competitions at that time.

In 1988, they were relegated from the top league. This started a tough period for 18 years. In 2006, they were relegated to the Conference. They were the first club to win a major trophy and then be relegated from the Football League. After four seasons, Oxford returned to League Two in 2010 through the play-offs. Six seasons later, in 2016, they were promoted to League One. In 2024, they were promoted to the EFL Championship again through the play-offs.

Some famous players for Oxford United include Ron Atkinson, who played the most games (560). John Shuker played the most Football League games (478). Ron's brother, Graham Atkinson, scored the most goals (107). Nineteen players have played for their national teams while at Oxford United.

The team's main colours are yellow shirts, with navy shorts and socks. Their badge shows an ox. This symbol represents the city's name and history. Oxford was once a market town for cattle near a river crossing on the River Isis. Oxford United has a big rivalry with Swindon Town. Their games are called the A420 derby.

Club History

Early Years: Headington F.C. (1893–1960)

One of the earliest-known Headington F.C. club shot from the 1897–98 season

Oxford United started on 27 October 1893 as Headington Football Club. A local doctor, Robert Hitchings, and a vicar, Revd John Scott-Tucker, founded the club. They wanted cricketers from Headington Cricket Club to stay fit in winter. In 1911, they added "United" to their name after joining with Headington Quarry.

Headington did not have a regular home ground until 1913. They bought Wootten's Field but had to move in 1920. In 1925, they found a permanent home at the Manor Ground. This place was used for cricket in summer and football in winter.

In 1899, Headington United joined the Oxfordshire District League. After World War I, they joined the Oxfordshire Junior League. In 1921, they moved to the Oxon Senior League. In their first season, they won a game 9–0. P. Drewitt scored eight goals, which is still a club record.

The club played its first FA Cup match in 1931. They lost 8–2 to Hounslow F.C.. In 1947 and 1948, United played in the Spartan League. Around this time, the cricket team left the Manor Ground.

Becoming Professional (1948–1960)

Headington became a professional football club in 1949. They joined the Southern Football League. Harry Thompson became their first manager. In 1950, Headington United was the first professional club in Britain to install floodlights. They used them for a game on 18 December against Banbury Spencer.

The team first wore orange and blue shirts. But for the 1957–58 season, they changed to yellow home shirts. The reason for this change is not known.

Rising Through the Leagues (1960–1985)

A matchday programme against Bury in 1978

In 1960, Headington United changed its name to Oxford United. This was to make the club more well-known. Two years later, in 1962, they won the Southern Football League title for the second year in a row. They were then chosen to join the Football League Fourth Division. They took the spot left by Accrington Stanley, who went bankrupt.

Oxford was promoted to the Third Division in 1965. A year before that, they became the first Fourth Division club to reach the sixth round of the FA Cup. In 1967–68, Oxford won the Third Division title. This was only their sixth season in the Football League. But in 1975–76, they were relegated from the Second Division.

A Football League Group Cup match against Reading in 1981

In 1982, Oxford United faced serious money problems. They were almost closed down. But a businessman named Robert Maxwell saved the club. In 1983, Maxwell suggested joining Oxford United with nearby club Reading. The new club would be called the Thames Valley Royals. Fans from both clubs protested strongly, and the merger was stopped.

Oxford won the Third Division title in 1983–84 under manager Jim Smith. The next year, they won the Second Division title too. This meant Oxford United would play in the First Division in the 1985–86 season. This was only 23 years after joining the Football League. Jim Smith left for another club, and Maurice Evans became the new manager.

Top League and Cup Win (1985–1994)

Oxford United players lifting the 1985–86 Football League Cup trophy

In the 1985–86 season, Oxford United finished 18th in the First Division. They avoided relegation on the last day by beating Arsenal 3–0. They also won the Football League Cup, then called the Milk Cup. As winners, Oxford would have played in the UEFA Cup. But English teams were banned from European competitions because of the Heysel Stadium disaster.

Oxford beat Aston Villa in the semi-final. In the final on 20 April 1986, they played Queens Park Rangers at Wembley Stadium. Oxford won 3–0 with goals from Trevor Hebberd, Ray Houghton, and Jeremy Charles. It was the last time the League Cup was called the "Milk Cup".

Goalkeeper Paul Reece in action during the 1991–92 season

In 1986–87, Oxford United just managed to stay in the First Division. John Aldridge scored many goals but was sold to Liverpool. Robert Maxwell left as chairman in May 1987. He gave the club to his son, Kevin. Many key players from the cup-winning team also left.

Mark Lawrenson became the new manager in March 1988. But he could not stop Oxford from being relegated to the Second Division. He was fired a few months later. After Robert Maxwell died in 1991, the club had more money problems. Brian Horton became manager and kept United in the middle of the table. In 1993, Horton left for Manchester City.

Denis Smith became manager. But Oxford was relegated to Division Two at the end of the 1993–94 season. They won only four of their last eleven games.

Financial Troubles and Relegation (1994–2001)

Denis Smith brought in new players like Paul Moody and Nigel Jemson. In the 1995–96 season, Oxford finished second to rivals Swindon Town and were promoted.

In 1995, Robin Herd took control of the club. Plans for a new 16,000-seat stadium at Minchery Farm were announced. This new stadium would replace the old Manor Ground. Construction started in 1997 but stopped because the club could not pay the builders.

In October 1998, club staff were not paid due to money problems. Fans formed a group called Fighting for Oxford United's Life (FOUL). In April 1999, Firoz Kassam bought most of the club for £1. He also took on the club's £15 million debt. Kassam reduced the debt and started finishing the new stadium. The season ended with Oxford being relegated back to the Second Division.

Oxford's bad form continued in the 1999–2000 season. Manager Malcolm Shotton resigned. Denis Smith returned and helped the team avoid relegation. But his second time as manager did not last long. At the end of the 2000–01 season, Oxford was relegated to the Third Division. This was their first time there in 35 years. They let in 100 goals and lost 33 league games.

New Stadium and Lower Leagues (2001–2006)

Oxford started the next season with a new manager and a new home. They moved to the Kassam Stadium after six years of planning. Mark Wright became manager but resigned in November. His replacement, Ian Atkins, could not improve things much. Oxford finished 21st, their lowest league position ever at the time.

In the 2003–04 season, Oxford was at the top of the table in January. But Ian Atkins was fired in March 2004. Graham Rix took over but was sacked the next November. Ramón Díaz from Argentina became manager. He brought in some South American players. Diaz left in May 2005 after problems with the chairman.

Brian Talbot became manager but was sacked in March 2006. The club was in 22nd place. Darren Patterson took over.

On 21 March 2006, Firoz Kassam sold the club to Nick Merry. Merry immediately hired former manager Jim Smith again. But Smith could not stop Oxford from being relegated at the end of the 2005–06 season. After 44 years in the English league, Oxford went down to the Conference National. They were the first club to win a major trophy and then be relegated from the league.

Non-League Football and Return (2006–2010)

Jack Midson (left) in action against York City in the 2010 Conference Premier play-off final

Jim Smith stayed as manager. Oxford started the next season well. But a run of eleven games without a win made them drop to second place. On Boxing Day 2006, 11,065 fans watched Oxford draw 0–0 with Woking. This was the biggest crowd for a Conference match. Oxford reached the play-offs but lost in the semi-final.

Jim Smith resigned in November 2007. Darren Patterson became manager again. Oxford finished ninth in the Conference National in 2007–08.

Oxford United players celebrated their Football Conference play-off winner at Wembley Stadium

In October 2008, Nick Merry stepped down as chairman. Kelvin Thomas took over. In December, Patterson was sacked. Chris Wilder became the new manager. Under Wilder, the team won 15 of their last 21 league games.

Oxford led the table for much of the 2009–10 season. They finished third and entered the play-offs. They beat Rushden & Diamonds to reach the play-off final against York City on 16 May 2010. Oxford won the final 3–1. This meant they returned to the Football League for the 2010–11 season. The final had 42,669 fans, a new record. About 33,000 of them were Oxford fans.

Back in the Football League (2010–2022)

Oxford's first game back in the Football League was a 0–0 draw against Burton. Their first win was 4–0 against Morecambe in September. James Constable scored three goals in that game. They finished the season in 12th place.

In the 2011–12 season, the team was often near the play-off spots. They beat rivals Swindon Town twice in one season for the first time since 1973–74. But they did not win any of their last seven matches and finished ninth.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas left in 2012. Owner Ian Lenagan took over. The 2012–13 season was difficult due to injuries and inconsistent play. Manager Chris Wilder was given a new contract.

In the 2013–14 season, Oxford started well and led the table several times. But on 25 January 2014, Wilder resigned. Mickey Lewis became caretaker manager. Then Gary Waddock was appointed head coach. Oxford slipped out of the play-off places and finished eighth.

In July 2014, Waddock was sacked after a change of ownership. Michael Appleton replaced him. After a mixed first season, Oxford was promoted to League One in his second year. They finished second in the 2015–16 season. They also reached the final of the League Trophy at Wembley. They lost 3–2 to Barnsley.

In 2016–17, Oxford finished eighth in League One. They lost in the final of the League Trophy again, this time to Coventry City.

In June 2017, Appleton left. Pep Clotet became manager but was sacked in January 2018. In February 2018, Thai businessman Sumrith "Tiger" Thanakarnjanasuth bought the club.

After a period with caretaker manager Derek Fazackerley, Karl Robinson was appointed on 22 March 2018. Robinson helped the club stay in League One. They finished 16th.

In the next year, they finished 12th. The 2019–20 season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Oxford finished fourth. They reached the play-off final but lost 2–1 to Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

Indonesian Ownership and Championship Return (2022–Present)

Oxford reached the play-offs again in the next season. They lost to Blackpool. In the 2021–22 season, United were one of the top-scoring teams and finished eighth. During this season, Indonesian businessmen Erick Thohir and Anindya Bakrie took control of the club. Grant Ferguson became the new chairman.

Oxford was promoted to the Championship in the 2023–24 season. They beat Bolton Wanderers 2–0 in the play-off final. This marked their return to the second-highest league after 25 years.

Team Colours and Badge

The bronze ox outside Kassam Stadium

The Oxford United badge shows an ox. This symbol represents the city's name and history. Oxford was originally a market town near a river crossing used by cattle. The badge's look has changed many times over the years.

In 1979, zoologist Desmond Morris, who was a club director, designed the current ox-head logo. It was based on an ancient bull's head design. The first version showed just the ox's head on a yellow and black background. The words 'Oxford United Football Club' were around it. For 17 years, the badge was a blue ox's head with different words. In 1996, the badge became a shield shape with the ox's head over the ford on a yellow background.

When they moved to the Kassam Stadium in 2001, a new version was designed. It had a similar design, but the ox and ford were in a circle with a yellow background. The rest of the badge was blue. This was used until 2016, when they went back to just the ox head without a shield or words. In 2018, the badge was redesigned again for the club's 125th anniversary. It brought back the shield around the ox head with the club's name above it. This is the badge used today.

In 2008, a bronze statue of an ox was put outside the Kassam Stadium. It was later vandalised in 2011. It was covered in pink paint. The club used this to raise money for a breast cancer charity.

When the club was Headington United, they wore orange and blue striped shirts with navy shorts and socks. The shirt design changed often. After joining the Southern Football League, the blue stripes were removed. A lighter orange was used for the shirt. The yellow kit was first worn in the 1957–58 season. It had black shorts and yellow socks. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the black shorts were replaced with yellow, then with royal blue. Since the early 1990s, the kit has been a yellow shirt with navy shorts and socks.

Many different away kits have been used. These include red and black striped shirts, and all-white kits. The first sponsor on the shirt was Sunday Journal, a local newspaper, in 1982.

Kit Suppliers and Shirt Sponsors

Stadiums

Oxford United match at the Manor Ground in 1980

Oxford United did not have a regular home ground until 1913. They played at different fields in Headington. In 1913, they bought Wootten's Field. But this land was redeveloped in 1920.

From 1925 to 2001, the club played at the Manor Ground. This ground was first shared with Headington Cricket Club. The Manor Ground could hold 9,500 people when it closed. But it held a record crowd of 22,750 fans in 1964 for an FA Cup match.

In the 1990s, new rules meant football stadiums needed to be improved. It was too expensive to fix the Manor Ground. So, the club decided to move to a new, modern stadium outside the city. Construction started in 1997 but stopped because of the club's money problems. Building restarted in 1999 after a new owner took over. The last game at the Manor Ground was on 1 May 2001. The land was sold and is now a private hospital.

The East Stand, Kassam Stadium, Littlemore

Since 2001, Oxford United has played at the Kassam Stadium. This stadium has seats for 12,500 fans. It only has three stands instead of the usual four. When it was first planned in 1995, it was meant to hold 16,000 people. But by the time it opened, Oxford was in a lower league, so a smaller size was enough. The club does not plan to build the fourth stand. Instead, they are looking to build a completely new stadium.

The record attendance at the Kassam Stadium for a football match was 12,243. This was in the last game of the 2005–06 season. Oxford lost that game and was relegated from the Football League.

In 2021, the club asked the local council about building a new 18,000-seat stadium. This new stadium would also have a hotel, shops, and training areas. It would be on protected land near Kidlington. In January 2022, the council decided to ask the local community for their thoughts. Many local residents were against the idea.

In January 2023, the council agreed to discuss plans for a different site in Kidlington. This site is called the Triangle. In February 2024, Oxford United showed plans for a new "all-electric" 16,000-seat stadium there. It would open in 2026 and might cost up to £150 million. A decision on the plans was delayed until early 2025. This means the club might need a temporary home after their lease at the Kassam Stadium ends.

Oxford's current ground, Kassam Stadium, from the open end

Club Support

Oxford's average league attendances since 1963

Oxford United supporters

Oxford United has several independent fan clubs. These include OxVox (the Oxford United Supporters' Trust) and the Oxford United Exiles. OxVox was started in 2002. The club also has a Juniors club for younger fans. It offers things like birthday cards and a free T-shirt.

The official matchday programme for home games costs £4. It was voted the best Conference Premier Programme in 2007–08. Fans sing many songs during home games, like "Yellow Submarine" with changed lyrics.

Some famous supporters of the club include Timmy Mallett, Tim Henman, and Jim Rosenthal. The club's mascot is Ollie the Ox. In 2009, fans started a "12th man fund" to help the club buy new players. They raised over £40,000. Because of this, the number 12 shirt was retired for a while.

Rivalries

Oxford United playing against rivals Swindon Town, in a game known as the A420 derby, in August 2011

Oxford United's biggest rival is Swindon Town. Games between them are called the A420 derby. This is because the A420 road connects the two cities, which are only 30 miles apart. They have played each other 55 times since 1962.

There is also a rivalry between Oxford and Reading. This became stronger when Robert Maxwell wanted to merge the two clubs. Fans from both teams strongly opposed this idea. Other rivals include Wycombe Wanderers, Luton Town, and Northampton Town.

Sometimes, there has been trouble between the fans of Oxford and Swindon. In 1998, 19 Swindon fans were arrested during a match. In 2011, vandals burned the initials STFC into the Kassam Stadium's pitch. Oxford fans sometimes call Swindon supporters "moonrakers". This refers to an old story about them trying to rake the moon's reflection out of a pond.

Players

First-team squad

No. Position Player 1 GK Jamie Cumming 2 DF Sam Long 3 DF Ciaron Brown 4 MF Will Vaulks 5 DF Elliott Moore (captain) 6 MF Josh McEachran 7 FW Przemysław Płacheta 8 MF Cameron Brannagan 9 FW Mark Harris 10 MF Matt Phillips 11 FW Malcolm Ebiowei (on loan from Crystal Palace) 12 DF Joe Bennett 13 GK Simon Eastwood 14 MF Louie Sibley 15 MF Idris El Mizouni

No. Position Player 16 DF Ben Nelson (on loan from Leicester City) 17 MF Owen Dale 19 MF Tyler Goodrham 20 FW Rúben Rodrigues 21 GK Matt Ingram 22 DF Greg Leigh 23 FW Siriki Dembélé 24 DF Hidde ter Avest 25 FW Will Goodwin 27 FW Max Woltman 28 MF Marselino Ferdinan 29 MF Kyle Edwards 30 DF Peter Kioso 34 DF Jordan Thorniley 44 FW Dane Scarlett (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)

Out on loan

No. Position Player DF Stuart Findlay (at Kilmarnock until end of the season) 21 GK Edward McGinty (at Sligo Rovers until 1 November 2024) 26 DF Jack Currie (at Leyton Orient until end of the season) 28 DF Stephan Negru (at Salford City until end of the season)

No. Position Player 31 GK Eddie Brearey (at Beaconsfield Town until end of the season) 33 GK Jacob Knightbridge (at Braintree Town until 23 January 2025) 35 DF James Golding (at Maidenhead United until January 2025) 36 MF Joshua Johnson (at Maidenhead United until end of the season) 39 FW Gatlin O'Donkor (at Bristol Rovers until the end of the season)

Reserves and Academy

No. Position Player 30 GK Fraser Barnsley 37 FW Aidan Elliott-Wheeler (on loan at Salisbury) 38 MF Zaide Took-Oxley 40 GK Monty Marriott 41 MF George Franklin (on loan at Salisbury) 42 DF Rashane Maxwell 43 DF Richard McIntyre 45 DF Max Smith 46 MF Jacob Fowler 48 MF Tobias Brenan

No. Position Player 49 FW Josh Iheanacho (on loan at Aylesbury United) 50 DF Louis Griffiths 52 DF Harrison Mole 53 MF Denis Travin 55 DF Aaron Lacey 56 DF Ibrahim Bangurah 57 MF Kyron Webb 58 MF Harrison Bradney 59 FW Kasway Burton 69 FW Max Reddy

Former Players

Management and Staff

Current Staff

Des Buckingham is the current head coach of Oxford United since his appointment in November 2023

Position	Name
Head coach	Des Buckingham
Assistant coach	Craig Short
Assistant coach	Chris Hackett
First-team goalkeeping coach	Lewis Price
First-team performance coach	Luke Taylor
First-team fitness coach	Chris Short
First-team performance coach	Dwayne Peasah
First-team coach analyst	Joe Moore
First-team performance analyst	Isaac Alder
Head of medical services	Amy Cranston
Club doctor	James Baldock
Sport therapist	John Elliot
Academy manager	James Constable

Club Personnel

	Position	Name
	Chairman	Grant Ferguson
	Owners	Erick Thohir
		Anindya Bakrie
	Directors	Horst Geicke
		Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth
	Chief Executive Officer	Tim Williams
	Director of Football	Ed Waldron
	Football Adviser	Derek Fazackerley
	Secretary	Vanessa Gomm

Managers

The first manager was Harry Thompson, hired in 1949. He led the team to win the Southern Football League title in 1953. He also won the Southern League Cup in 1953 and 1954.

Arthur Turner became manager in 1958. He was the longest-serving manager, staying for over ten years. Turner led United to win the Southern League title twice in a row. The second win in 1962 helped them join the Football League. They were promoted from the Fourth Division in 1965. Three years later, they won the Third Division championship.

After Turner, five managers took charge over 13 years. Jim Smith started his first time as manager in 1981. He led Oxford to the top league in English football. They won two promotions in a row in 1984 and 1985. But he left before the 1985–86 season.

The new manager, Maurice Evans, had immediate success. He won the 1986 League Cup. For the next 24 years, only Denis Smith led the club to promotion, winning promotion from the Second Division in 1996. Ramón Díaz from Argentina was the club's first non-British manager. He was in charge for five months in 2004–2005.

Jim Smith returned as manager in 2006. This was the year Oxford United was relegated to the Football Conference. After missing promotion in the 2006–07 season, Smith resigned. Darren Patterson became manager in November 2007.

Patterson was fired in December 2008. Chris Wilder replaced him. Wilder led the club back into the Football League by winning the 2010 Conference playoff Final. He stayed with the club for five years. Gary Waddock was appointed head coach in March 2014 but was sacked in July. Michael Appleton replaced him. Appleton led the team to promotion to League One. He also reached two EFL Trophy finals, but lost both.

In June 2017, Appleton left. Pep Clotet became his replacement but was sacked during his first season. After a short time with caretaker manager Derek Fazackerley, Karl Robinson became manager in March 2018. Robinson was sacked in February 2023. After a short period with caretaker managers, Des Buckingham was appointed manager. He led the club to promotion to the Championship after 25 years.

Since becoming professional, the club has had 26 full-time managers. Three of them (Jim Smith, Denis Smith, and Darren Patterson) have managed the club more than once.

Statistics and Records

Chart of historic table positions since election to the Football League

The largest home crowd was 22,750. This was for an FA Cup match against Preston North End at the Manor Ground in 1964. The stadium's normal capacity was smaller, so temporary stands were built. The largest crowd at the Kassam Stadium for a football match was 12,243. This happened in 2006 when Oxford was relegated.

Oxford's biggest win was 9–1 in the FA Cup against Dorchester Town in 1995. In the league, their biggest win was 7–0 against Barrow. Their biggest defeats were 7–0 away to Sunderland in 1998 and to Wigan Athletic in 2017. Their longest time without losing in the league was 20 matches in 1984. Their longest winning streak was nine games in the 2020–21 season.

John Shuker holds the record for playing the most league games, with 478 matches between 1962 and 1977. John Aldridge scored the most league goals in one season, with 30 goals in 1984–85. Graham Atkinson holds the record for most league goals (77) and most overall goals (107).

The player with the most international games while at Oxford is Jim Magilton, with 18 caps for Northern Ireland. The most money Oxford received for selling a player was about £3,000,000 for Kemar Roofe to Leeds United in 2016. The most Oxford paid for a player was £470,000 for Dean Windass in 1998. However, the fee for Marvin Johnson in 2016–17 is thought to be even higher.

Oxford is the only team in history to be promoted consecutively from Division Three to the First Division as champions.

Honours

Club's first League Cup trophy from the 1985–86 edition

League

• Second Division (level 2)
  • Champions: 1984–85
• Third Division / Second Division / League One (level 3)
  • Champions: 1967–68, 1983–84
  • Runners-up: 1995–96
  • Play-off winners: 2024
• Fourth Division / League Two (level 4)
  • Runners-up: 2015–16
  • Promoted: 1964–65
• Conference (level 5)
  • Play-off winners: 2010
• Southern League
  • Champions: 1952–53, 1960–61, 1961–62
  • Runners-up: 1953–54, 1959–60

Cup

• League Cup
  • Winners: 1985–86
• Football League Trophy / EFL Trophy
  • Runners-up: 2015–16, 2016–17
• Southern League Cup
  • Winners: 1952–53, 1953–54

Source:

See also

In Spanish: Oxford United Football Club para niños