Football loses a legend
Everyone at Oxford United has been deeply saddened to hear of the death of Alan Hodgkinson.
Alan, 79, passed away after fighting so hard against illness and will be missed by everyone associated with the club.
Alan was a legendary figure in football. He made 674 appearances for Sheffield United and travelled to two World Cups with England before finally hanging up his gloves and turning to coaching. He worked alongside former U’s boss Gerry Summers at Gillingham before embarking on a career as a specialist goalkeeping coach. Widely regarded as the first ever goalkeeper coach, Alan worked with everyone from Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton to Peter Schmeichel and Andy Goram.
He arrived at Oxford United in 2006 and helped mentor keepers such as Chris Tardif, Billy Turley, Ryan Clarke, Max Crocombe and Wayne Brown at the U’s. Wherever we played there would be a goalkeeper he had worked with in the past looking to shake his hand.
His final Wembley appearance came in 2010 as United won the Conference Play-Off final and Alan loved every minute of the day.
In 2012 he retired from football after an incredible 60 years in the game. His services to football were rewarded with a well-deserved MBE. He remained in touch with the club and was always a welcome guest.
A devoted family man, our sincerest condolences go to Brenda and his family.