TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated Oxford United fan and former pub landlord who has died from Covid-19.

Roy Lester, 69, who lived in Greater Leys and previously ran The Bullnose Morris in Blackbird Leys, died on Wednesday after battling coronavirus.

Mr Lester, who, it is said, never missed a U's home game, has been described as ‘larger than life’ by friends.

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He leaves behind his wife Glenis, stepchildren, Natalie, and Nick Ryan, as well as four grandchildren, Ellis, Maeve, Ellie, and Devon.

Roy Lester and his wife Glenis with Oxford United player Peter Rhoades-Brown in the 90's

Mrs Lester said: “Roy had supported Oxford United since he was a child.

“He was a good family man and loved his grandchildren.”

His step-daughter Natalie Ryan said: “He had a heart of gold and was very generous.

"He got to know a lot of people because of all the pubs he ran.”

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Throughout his lifetime Mr Lester ran several pubs across the city.

As well as The Bullnose Morris, they included The Fox and Hounds, on Abingdon Road, The Royal Standard, in Headington and The George, in Littlemore.

James Parker, a long-time friend of Mr Lester, said: “I have known Roy for over 28 years as I used to work at the football club, and he would come into the social club.

Roy and Glenis Lester with ex-chairman Robin Herd and ex-manager Denis Smith.

“He helped me to set up my own pub, as he had a lot of his own experience.

“Roy was a genuinely good guy who would do anything for anyone, he doted on his family.”

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During the 1990’s Mr Lester was a key component in the Fighting for Oxford United’s Life campaign as he held many fundraisers across his pubs to help raise money for the club that was at risk of falling into administration.

Mr Lester also helped any players going through ‘domestic issues’ if they needed somewhere to stay.

Mr Parker added: “He used to go to every home game with his grandson Ellis who he was really close with.”

On Saturday, before Oxford United’s match against Fleetwood, Karl Robinson, manager of Oxford United, placed Mr Lester’s football shirt over a seat in the stadium.

Roy Lester's shirt placed on a stadium seat by United manager, Karl Robinson.

He also placed a shirt from Lloyd Calcutt, another United superfan, who passed away from coronavirus in January.

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Mr Robinson said in a video posted to the club’s Twitter page: “Roy’s wife asked if we could put a shirt on the seat.

“ It is important that people know that even when they are not here anymore, and nothing can replace that, their spirit, and all the fans who sadly passed away, still remains with us.”

Oxford United’s official fan page, The Yellow Army, said in a statement: “Rest in peace Roy Lester who sadly lost his battle with Covid today.

“The thoughts of our fans go out to Glenis and all of Roy’s friends and family. Heaven gains another Yellow.”

A Go Fund Me page has now been set up to help Mr Lester’s family to help pay for funeral costs.

At time of writing, £1,765 worth of donations have been made.

To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/aeqzxs-in-memory-of-roy-lester

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