Oxford United are saddened to hear of the death of their all time record league appearance holder John Shuker who passed away this evening aged 77.
John was playing junior football in his native Manchester when an Oxford scout spotted him and he was invited to the Manor for a trial in 1960.
His time at the club lasted an amazing 17 years, turning professional when the club was elected to the Football League. Versatile enough to make his debut at centre forward, John became a very fine left-half before dropping back to play as a left-back from 1969 onwards, succeeding Ron Atkinson as captain and making 529 appearances for the club in total, scoring 47 goals.
John continued to live in Oxfordshire and followed his former club’s fortunes closely but in recent years had been fighting illness with his customary bravery.
Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this sad time and we will pay tribute to John at our home game against Hartlepool next Saturday.