An Oxford United hero who remained a much-loved figure in local sport after hanging up his boots is to have a memorial match staged in his honour.

Nigel Cassidy will be remembered at Bicester Town Football Club on Saturday when an Oxford United Legends team take on a Cassidy Select XI.

The forward, who scored 33 goals for the U’s in 1970s, passed away after a short illness in May. He was 62.

‘Cass’, as he was known on the terraces, was a fans' favourite at the Manor Ground and settled in north Oxfordshire after retiring from football.

His four sons — Darren, Stuart, Shaun and Dean — all went to school in Bicester, while Mr Cassidy ran the Black Bull in Launton and the Shakespeare in Bicester before relocating to run a hotel in Cornwall nearly 20 years ago.

Darren, who still lives in Bicester, said: "His funeral was held down in Cornwall and I was surprised by how many people turned up.

"There were 700 there and a number of people had travelled down from Oxford and Bicester.

"He was only ill for about a week before he went.

"While in hospital he said to me 'I don't think I'm going to make it through — can you just make sure people remember me with smiles and laughter?'

"I think this event will be a fitting tribute to him."

Mr Cassidy joined Oxford from Scunthorpe United, where he played with Kevin Keegan, for £20,000 and appeared in yellow more than 100 times between 1970 and 1974.

He later managed Banbury United and Bicester Town and played cricket locally.

Darren, who played for Oxford City, said: "Bicester Town have been great, as have Oxford United.

"We’ve got a lot of players lined up to come down — including Roy Burton, John Shuker, Ron Atkinson, Colin Harrington, Peter Foley, Andy Melville and Mike Ford."

Others confirmed include Matt Elliott, Alan Judge and Kevin Brock.

Darren added: "I remember when I first went up to the Bicester Town ground when I was quite young there was a big 'Super Cass' painted on the tin fence."

Next Saturday's match will feature a charity auction for children's sports teams in Oxfordshire and Cornwall.

Darren said: "People said to me that dad used to donate to clubs in Bicester and Cornwall, but would always keep it quiet and didn't want any publicity — so I've set up the Nigel Cassidy Memorial Trust in his memory to continue the work he started."

Bicester Town secretary Nick Harverson said: "Nigel was one of my heroes when I first watched Oxford United at the Manor.”

The evening kicks off at 6pm with junior matches between Oxford United and Bicester Town Colts, featuring Mr Cassidy's grandsons Harry and Charlie, before the main event at 7.15pm. Entry costs £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.