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

OXFORD United’s board approved increases to season ticket prices in the wake of their promotion from Division Four.

It meant the cost of a place in the main stand rose from £7 7s to £9, in line with changes made to ground admission earlier in the campaign.

U’s chairman Ron Coppock said: “I think anybody with any common sense would see this was something we had to do as a necessity.”

United’s promotion campaign led to average attendances of 8,668, up from 6,829 in the previous season.

Also read: Luke Garbutt's stunner for Oxford United nominated for goal of the month

1985

JOHN Aldridge, one of the men responsible for taking Oxford United into the First Division as champions, issued a warning to top-flight defences.

“I’ll keep on scoring next season,” he said, after taking his tally to 34 with a brace in the 4-0 win against Barnsley which confirmed Jim Smith’s side as Second Division champions.

“I won’t score as many as I have this season,” said Aldridge.

“I might even die a death in the First Division, but I’m confident I can get 20-25 next term.”

Also read: Oxford United unlike any club I've experienced, says departing Shaun Derry

1996

DENIS Smith’s coolness under pressure was praised in Oxford United’s season finale against Peterborough United.

A goalless first half had seen the tension rise at the Manor Ground, but David Rush said: “The gaffer was absolutely superb at half-time. We’d fluffed a few chances and that was to do with pressure.

“But he said ‘just go out there with a smile and enjoy it’ and that’s what we did.”

An own goal by Giuliano Grazioli quickly got United on their way, with Paul Moody, Matt Elliott and Rush sealing a 4-0 victory which secured promotion.