This Saturday sees the return of a Wembley 2010 hero when Simon Clist returns to the U’s as Guest of Honour.
Simon spent three years with the U’s and was a member of United’s 2010 Conference play-off winning team at Wembley, playing in midfield alongside Adam Chapman and Dannie Bulman.
“At the time you could feel how big the whole season was for the club and for the fans and how much they wanted it, and I think the fans, the players and the coaching staff all pulled together and you could tell that from our attendances throughout that season” he told us “It was a long season with ups and downs, but it was enjoyable and the belief was always there from the team that even if we didn’t get automatic we would still go up.
“It was a fantastic experience at Wembley and one of those moments that you want in your career as a footballer.
“I came from Forest Green which was a lot smaller club at the time and you could tell Oxford was a big club with a big fan base and it seemed like a much bigger set-up and you could tell the expectations were there to get promotion. The whole combined effort from fans and players and coaching staff.”
“I’ve had a big break from football since I retired although I still look out for the club’s results. I guess it’s been easier to leave the game alone once I stopped playing for the fear of missing it too much, although I’ve quite enjoyed the break and the challenge of doing something else. So this Saturday will be the first live game I’ve been to since 2013, and hopefully I can bring Oxford a little bit of luck to get their season going.”
We are sure you will welcome Simon back; fans in the restaurant and 1893 club get to meet him and have a chat about the club. Want to come and meet the United legends of the past before each game? Then ring 01865 337503 or email commercial@oufc.co.uk to book your place.