To mark Oxford United’s 125th season, we are looking back at what made the news this week in three of the club's promotion-winning campaigns

1964

THERE were hopes Oxford United manager Arthur Turner would be having discussions with two inside forwards to bolster his attacking options.

One was Ken Keyworth, placed on the free transfer list by Leicester City.

The other was Graham Atkinson, a former U’s player who went to Cambridge United 18 months previously.

Turner visited Cambridge and saw Atkinson score in a 3-1 victory over Yeovil Town.

“He played well and looks a more mature player,” he said.

1984

OXFORD United’s ambitious plans for the First Division involved a tempting offer to lure former England striker Trevor Francis to the Manor.

United boss Jim Smith planned a flight to Italy to discuss a possible bid for the 29-year-old, who was playing for Sampdoria.

Chairman Robert Maxwell instructed his manager to find out how much Sampdoria would want for the player.

Smith said: “It has always been our intention to go for quality players and there is no doubt Trevor is a top class footballer, although I don’t know what he would cost.”

1995

OXFORD United were brought back down to earth when Third Division Colchester United knocked them out of the Auto Windscreens Shield.

After a superb win over Crewe, the U’s lost 2-1 at the Manor.

Stuart Massey gave away a penalty to hand the Essex club their shock win.

Boss Denis Smith said: “Stuart Massey has done something which is quite unbelievable.

“We spend day-in day-out saying to the players ‘stay on your feet, don’t dive in’ in that situation and he’s cost us.”