When Oxford United set out to tell the story behind the Club's new 2026/27 home kit, it wasn't just about unveiling a shirt, it was about celebrating the people, places and creativity that make Oxford unique.
To bring that story to life, the Club partnered with lifelong Oxford United supporter and acclaimed local artist, Andrew 'Mani' Manson.
For more than two decades, Mani's distinctive artwork has become part of Oxford's landscape, transforming public spaces with vibrant murals that celebrate the city's character and community. Born and raised in Oxford, his work is inspired by the people, conversations and places that make the city what it is today.
Commissioned to create a bespoke piece of art for the home kit launch, Mani combined Oxford United's iconic yellow and blue with themes of movement, creativity and expression to produce a striking centrepiece for the campaign.
We caught up with Mani to talk about his journey as an artist, his love for Oxford United and what it meant to combine the two.
Tell us a little about yourself and your journey as an artist in Oxford.
Born and bred in Oxford, I've always had a strong connection to the city. Art was the only subject I was ever any good at at school, and it's been a constant throughout my life. Thanks to a lot of support from people, both past and present, I've been lucky enough to keep doing what I love, and I'm still creating today.
What is it about Oxford that inspires your work?
Everything, really. The people, the places, the pubs, the conversations you have every day. The trees, the rivers, my family and my friends. Oxford isn't just somewhere I live, it's my life, and all those experiences naturally find their way into my work.
Who first introduced you to Oxford United, and what are your earliest memories of supporting the Club?
The Club has always been around me ever since I was a child. I remember friends' older siblings wearing the latest Oxford United kits, so it always felt like part of growing up.
I played football myself for local teams. I wasn't very good, but I absolutely loved the sport. Every child I knew supported a football team, and a lot of them supported Oxford, so it felt inevitable that I would become a fan too.
How has being an Oxford United supporter influenced your connection to the city?
Massively. Fans recognise other fans, and conversations start naturally because of that shared connection. My work has always relied on word of mouth, and being an Oxford United supporter has only ever helped strengthen those connections. It's another thing that brings people together.
When you were approached to create a piece of art for the Club's 2026/27 home kit launch, what was your first reaction?
YES! There wasn't a moment's hesitation. It was an opportunity to combine two things that mean a great deal to me, so my answer was an immediate yes.
Tell us about the creative process behind the artwork.
Once I was told the original concept, I approached it the same way I do all my projects, with an incredible amount of research. I'm really happy with how the piece has developed.
I've also been lucky that my wife has long been an admirer of dance and was an amateur dancer herself, so I've been able to draw on both her insight and my own research throughout the process.
What did it mean to combine your passion for art with your love for Oxford United?
It means a lot to me.
I was extremely disappointed that we got relegated last season because I always believed we were good enough to stay up. At the same time, that win at Wembley in 2024 was legendary and something I'll never forget.
If this artwork can play even a small part in helping the campaign for this season, and in seeing us return to where we belong in the Championship, then that's something I'm really proud of.
As both a local artist and a supporter, what makes the relationship between Oxford United and the city so unique?
They're completely integrated. It's not just about the city itself; it's about the whole county. I see that connection across every generation, from young supporters to older fans.
The Club belongs to everyone, and when Oxford United succeeds, it feels like we all succeed together.
Find out more about Mani's work by clicking the button below.
Oxford United's 2026/27 Home Kit is now on sale and can be purchased online and in-store.
