OXFORD City’s long-serving former club secretary John Shepperd has died at the age of 84.

The Vanarama National League South side announced the news this evening.

Shepperd, who stepped down as City’s club secretary in 2017 after 43 years in the role, died over the weekend.

His affiliation with City started when he was eight-years-old, watching his first game, before going on to play for the youth and reserve sides.

Shepperd, who joined the club’s management committee in 1971, was also a life vice president.

In 2004, he was awarded a UEFA Golden Jubilee Award Diploma, while in 2013 his dedication to promoting grassroots football was recognised with a medal as part of the FA’s 150th anniversary.

Most recently, Shepperd was recognised again by the FA when receiving a medal for long service to the game.

The club will hold a minute’s silence in his memory on Saturday when they begin their league campaign against Concord Rangers.