In the latest column written by United fans, for the fans, KOTARO SUMITA explains how he fell in love with the club

I AM Kotaro Sumita, an Oxford United fan of 17 years from Japan.

My first encounter with the U’s was in summer 1999, when I spent a month learning English at The Oxford English Centre.

At the time I was hosted by the Hathaway family, who lived in Littlemore.

They were passionate United fans and they took me to the Manor Ground on September 14 to watch a match.

It was the Worthington Cup second round, first leg tie against Everton.

Before the match, I talked with the legendary lady fan Winnie Crawford (pictured with me above) in the lounge.

Then before the kick-off, the gentle captain Les Robinson and Matt Murphy – who wore the same number as I had on my `shirt – came to my stand, because fans near me had called them, and they took a picture of the players with me.

Although the result was a 1-1 draw, I was satisfied as the opponents were a Premier League club.

These were my first wonderful experiences and I was so happy.

Since then, I have fallen in love with the U’s.

Despite living in Japan, I have visited England 11 times and watched Oxford in about 20 matches.