Sad news as AcademyCoach Randal Bates dies aged 53
Everybody at Oxford United has been deeply saddened to hear of the death of the club’s Under 14s Academy Coach Randal Bates.
Randal, 53, died earlier this week after falling ill on Tuesday evening. Randal was a familiar face around the club and as well as being a fantastic coach he was also a big Oxford fan who would do anything to help those around him.
Richard Blackmore, the club’s Academy General Manager said:
“It is a massive blow to everyone at the Academy. Randal had worked with us for the last five years and was well respected not just by the young footballers that he helped but also by everyone behind the scenes.”
Les Taylor, Academy Manager, said
“We will all miss him enormously and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.”