OXFORD UNITED’S old stadium has been turned into a hospital after being demolished 25 years ago.
The U’s played at The Manor Ground from 1925 until 2001 and hosted teams from the old First Division in the 1980s.
Oxford United’s old stadium The Manor Ground has been turned into a hospital Credit: PA
Oxford played at their old ground for 76 years between 1925 and 2001 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
But it quickly became clear that the stadium had become too outdated and the club started looking at moving.
They played their last game against Port Vale in May 2001 after 76 years before opting to build a new all-seater stadium.
have played at the Kassam Stadium ever since and The Manor Ground has become a distant memory.
But it has now been revealed that the Headington old site has been converted into a private hospital, with only a plaque to commemorate the old stadium.
The Manor Ground was an understated stadium in the middle of a residential area that was hated by big teams like Manchester United, according to the BBC .
Commentator Nick Harris, who grew up supporting the club, told the broadcaster: “[It was] a pilgrimage every Saturday to come here.
The Headington site was converted after Oxford moved to the Kassam Stadium Credit: PA
“Anybody who came to the Manor, anybody who supported Oxford United for a long, long time, could stand here like I do now, close their eyes and they’re there.
“The likes of , Newcastle, and many others hated it because it was this little ground, with an incredible atmosphere and Oxford coming down the slope at them.
“It was something so, so special – The Manor Ground for anybody of my age is all about growing up in Oxford.”
And after stepping inside the hospital, Harris said he was told by the receptionist: “More people ask me for the exact spot where Steve Biggins scored that goal against Manchester United than they do to know where their eye tests are.”
The Manor Ground was located in the middle of a residential area Credit: Getty
Teams like Manchester United reportedly hated playing Oxford away from home Credit: Getty
The old stadium was a favourite among fans but it became outdated Credit: PA
The Kassam Stadium has played host to Oxford in the last two decades Credit: Getty
Since moving to the Kassam Stadium, Oxford have been through a turbulent period of ups and downs.
The club were relegated to non league in 2006-07 before returning to the Football League in 2009-10.
Oxford then went up to in 2015-16, where they stayed for a decade until they won promotion to the last season.
However, their stay in the second-tier lasted just one season as they were immediately relegated back to League One.
Matt Bloomfield’s men battled valiantly but missed out on survival by four points as they finished in 22nd place.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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