Oxblogger Newsletter - Issue 3
The UEFA Cup in a parallel universe, the sage advice of a mysterious hippie, the meaningless mentality of ambition, the truth about Sam Long and Joey Beauchamp's goalden legacy.
Issue 3 of the Oxblogger Newsletter is here, we’re spanning fifty years of Oxford chat while exploring parallel universes. How are you not intrigued?
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In this issue…
European Dreams - Will Richards
Oxford’s ventures into Europe have been fitful. We’ve had a few dalliances with the Anglo Italian Cup and one legendary and debauched trip to Austria in 2016. Despite our Milk Cup win in 1986, the pathway to the major European competitions were blocked by the Heysel Disaster and an English ban on clubs. Have you ever wondered what might have been? Will Richards packed his time-sandwiches and travelled to an alternative Oxford United reality to find out.
A long and winding road - Ian Davies
Some people are born into Oxford United with generations of family showing the way to true spiritual redemption. For many, the path is less well trod, do you find it or does it find you? Ian Davies retraced his steps back to the origins of his vocation.
Extensive musings on the Big Club mentality - Jonny Biscuits
Success is often measured by material things; trophies or money. To say otherwise is quaint, romantic or naïve. As Oxford United begins to enjoy its renaissance, our minds begin to turn towards the next big goal, but what should it be? Jonny Biscuits has a word of warning about clubs with Top 30 ambitions.
Long term thinking - Andrew Dawson
Every manager he’s played under has tried to replace him, but every time Sam Long has defied the odds and returned. Now, with over 250 games and a promotion to the Championship under his belt, isn’t it about time he was recognised for what he is? Andrew Dawson makes the case for a true club legend.
Beauchamp’s Powers - Dan Curtis
How many of Joey Beauchamp’s 83 goals do you remember? Blackpool? Tranmere? Notts County? Swindon? Just as importantly, how many have you forgotten? Dan Curtis decided it was time to fill the gaps, hunt down the obscurities and go where few dare to tread (Swindon’s YouTube archive) and ensure that future generations could watch (nearly) every goal the great man scored.
Get in touch, comment, share
The Oxblogger Newsletter is an experiment to see if there’s any interest in an Oxford United fanzine-type thing. If you want to submit an article or just get in touch or if you have an idea about improving the Oxblogger Newsletter in some other way, I’d love to hear from you.
Email: oxbloggernewsletter@gmail.com
Next issue: February 2025 – deadline for submissions 6 February 2025.