What do you think?
Rate this book
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 neighbour, 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.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published July 8, 2025
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 21, 2025
Scott Walkinshaw brilliantly dissects Oxford United in the 1980s… it takes a certain type of Oxford supporter to sit down and read this one, but you learn so much from it. Walkinshaw recalls so many specific memories, whether it’s a train delay or a strange goal, and it really reminds me why I love reading so much. This is the stuff you don’t get from browsing articles or Twitter. Scott should be insanely proud of this book, and I’m recommending it to anyone with interest in the topic, Oxford fan or not.
August 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book on the whole. As an OUFC supporter it was a wonderful trip down memory lane. All this book needed was more information on dates, it was difficult to work out where we are in time each season. Also some league tables would have been great to see.
July 8, 2025
Very well researched. Very well written, and worth having in your book case
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews