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

1965

THERE were scenes of wild jubilation as Oxford United’s promotion to the Third Division was confirmed.

Having finished their programme, they had a nervous wait but could celebrate when Tranmere lost to Doncaster.

United’s squad were rewarded with a £2,000 promotion bonus to be shared equally among the players on an appearance basis.

Manager Arthur Turner missed the party, having broken down twice on the way back from watching Wrexham.

Chairman Ron Coppock said: “Arthur has done a wonderful job and so has Ron Atkinson as skipper. It has all been wonderful teamwork.”

Also read: Top flight in sight for Oxford United after John Aldridge hat-trick

1985

OXFORD United booked a ticket for the First Division following a 1-0 win against Shrewsbury Town.

Dave Langan scored his first league goal for the U’s to earn the crucial three points which sealed promotion at the Manor Ground.

Striker John Aldridge, whose 31 goals helped the side to promotion, said: “I’ve already got a medal for being in the PFA Second Division team, but I want a championship medal to go with it.

“Now we can play without worrying about whether or not we’re going to blow it.”

Also read: Oxford United retention as crucial as recruitment for this summer – Karl Robinson

1996

OXFORD United’s promotion destiny was in their own hands with 90 minutes of the season remaining following a 2-1 win at Crewe Alexandra.

Elsewhere, rivals Blackpool lost 2-1 at home to Walsall and slipped to third.

Paul Moody and Joey Beauchamp were on target at Gresty Road, but United had a tense finish following Stuart Massey’s red card.

Boss Denis Smith, who had been sent from the dugout in the corresponding fixture the previous season, said: “I don’t know what it is about referees at Crewe, but they always seem to come down hard on us.

"It’s now in our own hands and the way the lads are going you can’t see anything getting in their way.”