WELCOME to a weekly feature in conjunction with the Oxford United fan groups OxVox and Oxford United Supporters’ Panel (OUSP), as we hear from them throughout the summer on all manner of U’s matters.
We’ll be getting views from the two groups on a range of subjects, including topics on and off the pitch.
Those may include the summer transfer window, hopes and ambitions for the 2023/24 season, favourite moments following United, and the ongoing stadium project.
This week, we caught up with OUSP member Adam Slade to find out what life is like as an ‘exiled Yellow’ and how the U’s forge a community no matter the distance.
In 2002, as I bid farewell to Oxford, little did I know that my connection with the city and its football club would endure across the miles and years.
Leaving for the University of Sheffield brought unexpected joys, including finding love and raising a beautiful family, yet Oxford United remains deeply embedded in my heart.
My initiation into the world of Oxford United came during my early teenage years when my grandma bought me a season ticket.
From that moment, my allegiance to the club ran through my veins, forging an unbreakable bond that has stood the test of time.
As a Beech Road boy, I found comfort among familiar season ticket holders, sharing the highs and lows of every match.
The memories of passionate supporters, especially the one who relentlessly criticised Dave Smith’s sideways and backward passes – ‘no Smithy, no’ – still bring a smile to my face. And who can forget that night under the lights against Chelsea. It was never a penalty.
READ MORE: Oxford United boss discusses backing of the board and player exits
Though I only had one season at Grenoble Road, I struggled to call it home due to its inherent flaws.
However, being an exiled fan has become more manageable over the years, with technology bridging the gap between me and my beloved team.
In the early days, I relied on my trusty Nokia 3310 to receive text message updates of goals and final scores.
The limited connectivity in our student house meant we had to share a dial-up connection, stretching a long network cable to access the internet.
It wasn’t until the advent of smartphones (the first iPhone was released mid-2007) that I could check scores on the go and access services like iFollow, bringing the resonating voice of BBC Radio Oxford commentary right to my ears.
My wife, understanding and forgiving, has accepted that on match days, one earphone remains firmly in place, keeping me attuned to the game, and the pre and post-match chatter.
“He’s obviously a striker that’s proven at the level but he’s contracted to them so it wouldn’t be right to talk on speculation.”
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) July 28, 2023
Liam Manning was cool on #oufc links with Fleetwood Town striker Jack Marriotthttps://t.co/IgLR8yjLP6 pic.twitter.com/boEgYtZbnK
Nowadays, I mostly attend away games, eagerly anticipating the release of the fixture list each year to plan my trips to northern matches. Frustratingly this year, Derby and Barnsley away are both whilst we are on holiday!
Away games offer a unique atmosphere and the chance to visit new stadiums, creating unforgettable experiences.
I regularly meet with fellow exiled fans known as the Yorkshire Yellows during games, and we also stay connected through a WhatsApp group.
It’s enjoyable to have this community ‘up this way’. Within the group, we discuss various topics, including sharing news, updates, making predictions, and exchanging our thoughts about the matches.
Though I occasionally return to Grenoble Road, it fails to evoke the feeling of home that the old Manor Ground once did.
Nostalgia often takes me back to the days of the past, longing for some of that distinctive Manor Ground atmosphere.
So far, I haven’t managed to pique the interest of any of my children in attending the matches.
Although our eldest enquires about the results, he’s been influenced by their cousin to support Liverpool.
Our middle child, on the other hand, shows no interest in football at all.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope resting on our youngest, who proudly wears his Oxford shirt. Despite not taking him to a game last season due to the team’s performances, I remain optimistic about the upcoming season.
Despite being miles away from Oxford, I have never felt as connected to the club as I do now. The advent of social media and services like iFollow has proven invaluable to exiled fans like me, allowing us to remain closely linked to the club we love.
I look forward to a bright future for Oxford United and hope the new ground might rekindle some of the old Manor Ground magic.
Until then, I’ll keep supporting Oxford United through thick and thin, no matter the distance.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel