This weekend sees the end of an era as one of United’s great personalities, Les Taylor retires.
Les joined United as an apprentice from Wallsend Boys’ Club in 1973, playing until 1980 and, since returning to the club in 1992 has been here ever since in various capacities including Head of Academy.
Today he was ambushed by his former teammates who surprised him at a special leaving ceremony: Jason Seacole, Phil Emsden, Paul Berry, Malcolm McIntosh, Ray Graydon, Dick Lucas, and Steve Aylott were all there to surprise Les, with the current Academy staff all there to salute the amazing career of one of the nicest men in football.
“It was only fitting” Peter Rhoades-Brown, organiser of the event, told us. “Les never wants a fuss and didn’t want to be the centre of attention at tomorrow’s game so we found a way of bringing his mates along, making them feel involved with the current Academy and marking the occasion the right way.
"Les has been an unbelievable help and friend to me and to everyone behind the scenes and we wish him well for the future.”
Les told us:
“I’ve had a great career and it’s culminated with me getting a degree in coaching, which at my age I think is a great achievement, on Monday night and now this, which has been a fantastic surprise. Now, though, it’s just my time has come. I enjoy the modern game, but I preferred the game when I was playing.
“I’m going to wake up every day and do exactly what I want! I love walking and I love nature and I love keeping fit. I feel I’m in a really good place. Will I miss football? The honest answer is no, I won’t. I’ve been working since I was 16 and that’s 50 years. A lot of people look forward to retirement and having a rest but then carry on working, but I’m just going to enjoy the rest.”
Everyone at Oxford United would like to wish Les well in his retirement and thank him for the laughs, the companionship and his magnificent service not only to our club but to the game of football.
We looking forward to welcoming him back to games, whenever he chooses, in the future.
Read a full interview in tomorrow's match programme.