The Glory Years: Oxford United in the 1980s

The Glory Years chronicles Oxford United’s rise from bankruptcy to Milk Cup Final glory through the 1980s. It’s a story of giant-killings and back-to-back titles, surviving mergers, hooliganism and the threat of a new Super League. It’s a saga that’s never been properly explored - until now.

In 1982, Oxford United faced bankruptcy and relegation from the Third Division when club secretary Jim Hunt made a desperate phone call to the club’s neighbor, notorious publishing magnate Robert Maxwell. Maxwell rescued the club and put it on a thrilling journey towards the First Division under manager Jim Smith.

With back-to-back championships, Oxford defeated Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester United and Arsenal in pulsating Milk Cup clashes at their magical stadium, The Manor. Under Maurice Evans, they survived three seasons in the top flight, winning the richest team prize in sport, the Milk Cup at Wembley in 1986.

The book charts Oxford’s incredible journey from Ian Greaves’ arrival in 1980 to relegation in 1988.

Scott Walkinshaw is a lifelong Oxford United fan whose website Oxblogger is one of the longest-running football blogs in the country. His articles, stories and long-reads offer a unique take on the club’s history and fortunes. He has written for Sky Sports, World Football and FourFourTwo, the club program, the Oxford Mail and has featured on the BBC and in The Guardian.