Club saddened by death of a Manor hero
Oxford United are deeply saddened to report the death of one of their all time greatest players.
Graham Atkinson passed way yesterday morning aged 73, after bravely fighting against cancer.
Graham, like his brother Ron, started out at Aston Villa as a youngster but joined Ron at the Manor Ground during the 1959/60 season before he turned 17. He was to spend 12 years with the club.
A skilful and hard-working inside forward, Graham scored the club’s first ever goal in the Football League, at Barrow at the start of the 1962/3 season and went on to make 394 appearances for the club, setting the all-time scoring record for the U’s with 107 goals.
His 77 Football League goals remains a club record while only five players have made more appearances for the U’s.
Ken Skeen, who played alongside him for many years told us:
“He was a great man and a great footballer who I was proud to call my best mate, even after all these years. I am glad I came to Oxford and got the chance to know him. He was a true gentleman who was at the heart of Oxford United for many years and he will be missed by everyone.”
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Graham’s family at this sad time. A minute’s silence will be held in his honour at a forthcoming game.