Our Guest of Honour this Saturday is the former Oxford and Gillingham defender Simon King.
Simon became an Oxford United scholar in 1999, making his debut two years later in the very last game at the Manor
“The Manor was such an iconic ground and to play there on such a historic occasion was a very proud moment for me” he told us this week. “You never forget your debut and being the last game at the ground it was an incredible atmosphere. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Simon joins us for the game against another of his former clubs, Gillingham, where he joined for a record fee of £200,000 and became the club’s Player of the Year when they won promotion from League 2
“I have fond memories of my time at Oxford, even though it didn’t end that great for me,” Simon said. “Being told I wasn’t wanted at a club, especially the team I supported as a boy and my local team, was heart breaking at the time but as I got a bit older I got a better perspective on life and everything happens for a reason.
“I had a good spell at Barnet and then moved to Gillingham. There were a lot of personnel coming and going there, like at Oxford at the time. It’s great to play in the play-offs and a chance for your friends and family to watch you play at Wembley, so I enjoyed my time there and am looking forward to catching up with some familiar faces from both clubs on Saturday.”
Read a full interview with Simon in Saturday’s match programme.
Come and join us as the U’s take on the Gills. It’s Military Day with plenty going on before the game. Visit oufctickets.co.uk or call 01865 337533 to book your seat.