PETER Leven was impressed with Oxford United’s attacking approach when the popular former midfielder made a rare return.

The Scot’s two-year stint as Kilmarnock assistant manager came to an end earlier this month, allowing him the chance to take in a game at the Kassam Stadium.

And although the U’s were held to a 3-3 draw by Rotherham United, some of their football going forward went down well with Leven.

He said: “I had heard they were playing some good football, so I thought I’d check it out.

“They were very good, I thought ‘fair play to them’ – they’re trying to play the right way and scored some good goals.

“As a young coach as well that’s the way I want to be.

“If you do lose or draw a game, do it playing the right way.

“I know people say it’s all about winning, but Oxford have the players to play that way.”

He added: “I could see the fans were with them as well.

“When Rotherham scored the first goal they were singing to get the team going.”

Leven made 67 appearances in two seasons for the U’s, with a long-range effort against Port Vale in 2011 the pick of his dozen goals.

While injury issues held him back, the warm reception when he was introduced to the crowd showed he is still remembered fondly.

And it meant a lot to Leven.

“Going on the pitch was nice,” he said.

“I never hit the heights I would have liked to have done at Oxford.

“The supporters never saw my full potential, just glimpses, but I gave them everything I could.”