ALL football clubs are built around certain values and principles. Some larger clubs speak of ‘brand’, ‘global reach’ and media clicks with the same relish they would a late winner.

Success is often gauged by trophies and medals, and fans and clubs are hungry for those moments of glory that punctuate what for many clubs is often years of soul-sapping disappointment and underachievement that would have the most upbeat and positive of us reaching for the bottle.

So what is it that keeps us coming back? That marks the years of inept players and dour performances?

READ ALSO: Des Buckingham reiterates that U’s in market for more attackers

Of course, football has the mechanism to reset at the end of every season. Whatever league you end up in, the season starts and you are level with all the other teams. You have a ‘puncher’s’ chance. In short, there is always hope. And with that comes various levels of expectation that can be adjusted and tweaked to make sure there is always something to play for, even if it is pride or blooding youngsters for next season.

Actually, I would venture though that, as important as these things are, the real thing that keeps us coming back is community. The people we watch with. Those we get to know while there. The thousands of other fans we share a bond with. Our own in-jokes and shared experiences. That belonging.

Our club is about community. Looking after each other, and sharing dreams and disappointments, and for those of us old enough to have been there in 1986, one person has been on that journey with us most of the way.

Peter Rhoades-Brown has been with the club for 40 years, which he celebrated at the home game on Tuesday night. A talented and exciting player who played with a smile on his face and seemed to carry that joy on into his nature off the field.

Since his playing days, he has been a constant for us at games, over the tannoy and over the airwaves. If you are lucky enough to bump into him, he is generous with his time and always has a story to tell, but will always make himself the butt of the joke. Sharp in his assessments but with a big heart that has him digging in to help all of the good causes that come to him for help.

Peter is known by many as the Chelsea reject, and if you know this club, you know that is a compliment. Chelsea reject, Oxford legend. Thank you Rosie.