SOCCERVOICE.COM, 26.11.2009
Oxford United, are they ready to climb the ladder

Oxford is probably most known for their universities, but the football club is also something that combines people with this city. In the past they have experienced top flight football and winning the League Cup
 

Oxford was a top flight club for three seasons between 1985 and 1988. They also won the League Cup in 1986 after defeating QPR 3-0 in the final.

Jim Smith and Maurice Evans were in charge during the climb to the top. Smith promoted the club, but was tempted by QPR and moved. Maurice Evans, who at that time was the clubs chief scout, was the one, owner Robert Maxwell wanted as his new manager.

John Aldridge and Ray Houghton were two key players. Both of them later won the league with Liverpool and also played in the World Cup and the European Championships for Republic of Ireland.

After their relegation in 1988 it was not a totally hopeless situation at Manor Ground. Oxford spent most of the 90's at the level we now call Championship.

The club had to sell their best players seeing big names such as Matt Elliott and Dean Saunders sold to the Premier League.

Today things are not the same at Oxford United. The club is currently living a life at the 5th tier of English football. But the light in the tunnel looks close. The club is currently leading the Blues Square Premier, and a return to league football could be possible.

Oxford United have a new and modern stadium with a capacity of 12 500. The Kassam Stadium has held the highest avarage attendance in the Blue Square Premier for the last three seasons.

The club moved to their new stadium in 2001 after leaving Manor Ground who had been their home for 76 years.

Their current squad of players are more or less recruited from League 1 and 2. Adam Murray is probably the most known of the lot with a past at Derby County.

Oxford definitely belong at a higher level and hopefully the climb back up is on.