The Glory Years: Oxford United in the 1980s

In "The Glory Years," Scott Walkinshaw has crafted something rare in sports literature: a book that captures not just the facts of an extraordinary period but its soul. As one of the longest-running football bloggers in the country, Walkinshaw brings both the authority of a historian and the passion of a lifelong fan to this remarkable story of Oxford United's 1980s transformation.
The story starts in 1982, when the club faces bankruptcy and the possibility of relegation from the Third Division. What follows is one of football's most unlikely ascents. Within three years, Oxford United would achieve successive promotions to reach the First Division and then, most remarkably, claim their first major trophy.
Walkinshaw's genius lies in how he weaves together the various threads that made this miracle possible. The arrival of Robert Maxwell, who saved the club from bankruptcy in 1982, is portrayed with nuanced complexity. Maxwell emerges as neither hero nor villain but as a catalyst for change, his controversial nature and ambitious plans (including an attempted merger with Reading) adding layers of drama to the sporting narrative.
The appointment of Jim Smith as manager proves pivotal, and Walkinshaw gives this chapter the weight it deserves. Under Smith's guidance, Oxford achieved their sprint from Third Division to First, a feat that seems almost impossible in modern football. The author's detailed research brings to life the tactical innovations and man-management skills that made this possible.
The crown jewel of this period—the 1986 Milk Cup victory—is masterfully recounted. Oxford's 3-0 triumph over Queens Park Rangers at Wembley represents more than just a trophy; it stands as validation of their meteoric rise and remains the club's only major honour. Walkinshaw's account of the cup run, including victories over football aristocracy like Arsenal and Manchester United, reads like a thriller even when we know the outcome. 
What sets this book apart is its attention to context. The author skilfully places Oxford's rise against the backdrop of 1980s Britain—a time of social upheaval, football violence, and the looming spectre of the proposed Super League. The Manor Ground, Oxford's beloved but basic stadium, becomes a character in its own right, its cramped confines hosting some of the most memorable matches in English football history.
Walkinshaw's writing skilfully blends journalistic clarity with emotional resonance. His background writing for publications like Sky Sports and FourFourTwo shows in the precision of his match descriptions, while his fan's perspective adds heart to the statistical achievements. The team's three-season stay in the top flight, though brief, is given proper consideration, with Maurice Evans' stewardship portrayed as a worthy successor to Smith's revolutionary tenure.
The book excels in its human portraits. Key figures such as John Aldridge, Ray Houghton, and Trevor Hebberd come to life as fully developed characters, not merely names on a team sheet. The author's extensive connections within the club have resulted in interviews and insights, making this the definitive account of Oxford's golden era.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 
Published: January 27, 2025
Price: £19.99
Hardback: 384 pages
ISBN-10 : 1801509352
ISBN-13 :  9781801509350
Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)