Oxford City

OXFORD CITY

Oxford City FC was originally formed in 1882 and eleven years later, was joined by members from Cygnets FC, Oxford Wanderers FC and Oxford United College Servants. In 1906 Oxford City won the Amateur Cup and the following year entered the Isthmian League. Since their formation City have won the Oxfordshire Senior Cup on more than 30 occasions, the Oxfordshire Benevolent Cup 18 times and the Oxford Charity Cup 9 times.
In December 1979 the Club became a limited company and in the following year
Bobby Moore was appointed Manager with Harry Redknap as his assistant. Unfortunately this same year the Club was relegated for only the second time in their history. Oxford City remained in Division One of the Isthmian League until forced to resign from the league in 1988 when Brasenose College, owners of the White House Ground, terminated City's lease due to a contravention of the terms.

Determined to revive the Club, a loyal group of supporters continued to hold regular meetings after the directors had resigned, even though no Oxford City teams played in 1988. In 1989 however, City entered a side in the Oxfordshire Youth League. For the 1990/91 season, an Oxford City senior side was elected into the South Midlands League, playing in the First Division. Gratefully sponsored by Unipart Group, the Club now had the use of a temporary ground in Cutteslowe Park and following a good season, finished third in the League winning promotion to the Premier Division on the condition that a suitable ground could be found. City officials successfully secured the use of the Pressed Steel Ground at Roman Way, Cowley, thus enabling the Club to take their place in the Premier Division and the first season saw City more than hold their own.

The following season was one of success. City went top of the South Midland Premier Division in January and headed the table until the end of the season, winning a League Championship for the first time (other than the war years). The Reserves also won their respective Division. The progress of the Club meant that a new ground was needed to realise the ambition of a return to the Isthmian League (Diadora - at the time) after being forced to resign in 1988.
With great help from the local council and numerous other contributors a site for a new ground was made available at Court Place Farm. It was then a race against time to develop and meet the grading deadline set by the League. With remarkable efforts this was achieved and City were back amongst their former allies. The opening game was played against neighbours Oxford United in front of a crowd of 1800 spectators, with City winning by three goals to one.

Season 1994-95 was very successful with the Club making history by reaching Wembley Stadium for the first time in the F.A. Vase final, unfortunately losing 2-1 to Arlesley Town. Further success was achieved that season with promotion to Division One of the league followed by more joy in 1995-96 as City won an Isthmian League Championship for the first time in the Club's history with the top spot in Division One. This took City back into the Premier Division where they remained for two seasons before returning to establish Division One status.

A very successful F.A. Cup run five seasons ago took City to the 1st Round Proper for the first time since 1970. After two exciting draws against Wycombe Wanderers, the full-time professionals finally overcame City at the third attempt with a narrow 1-0 victory at Oxford United's Manor ground in front of more than 4000 spectators. Confirmation indeed, that a great many of the Oxford sporting public are also proud of the achievements of their non-league club.

For the 2004-05 season Oxford City are new members of the Southern League and the community growth continues with yet more Oxford City Colts, Ladies and Girls teams. The club is bigger than ever before with a solid base being built for the future.

Web: www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk