A FORMER Oxford United player who was beaten into a coma while on holiday is to watch the U’s play in a bid to beat memory loss that has robbed him of the last 15 years of his life.

Rob Hughes, who played for the Yellows in 2005, was attacked by a group of Brits outside a nightclub in the Greek resort of Malia last June.

Despite being in a coma for a month and waking up paralysed, he has made a remarkable recovery and still dreams of returning to football.

The 28-year-old, who is undergoing rehabilitation in London, will revisit the Kassam Stadium on Saturday to watch the team face Grays Athletic in the hope it will help restore his long-term memory.

He mum Maggie, 55, said: “Robert played for Oxford under Brian Talbot and it was his last professional side. We’re hoping that this is going to bring back memories. He is stuck in the era of Karate Kid and breakdancing. That’s how far he has gone back.”

Remarkably, Mr Hughes, who also spent time at Crystal Palace and Fulham, is training every day and is eager to play competitively again.

Mrs Hughes said: “One thing that has not been taken is his desire to get back on the pitch.

“He said to the police ‘I want to get back on that field to show those people they haven’t taken away what I love. I just want to get back to playing football’.”

Mr Hughes’s visit to the Kassam Stadium is the latest trip designed to jog his memory.

He has visited other football grounds and made a breakthrough at his old secondary school when he recognised a video of a former teacher.

His mum said: “When he’s walking around the ground he could recognise somebody in the crowd. Anything about going to Oxford United and remembering something could bring it all back.”

She added: “It’s difficult to see the way someone’s character changes. He was a chirpy, cheeky chappy and to this day I believe the son I know is still in Greece.

“I’ve got this new chap who looks like my boy, but he’s not totally Robbie’s character — he’s not what people remember. Everything has to start from scratch. He thinks he’s perfect, he doesn’t want to know what’s happened.”

At the moment, nobody has been brought to book for the attack.

Mrs Hughes continues to lobby for better co-operation between the countries’ authorities and is about to launch a support group for families in similar situations.

U’s spokesman Chris Williams said: “Rob was a very nice, very intelligent and very articulate lad who made a big impression on us all.

“It’s a tragedy what has happened to him, but he has fought back so bravely and we’ll welcome him back on Saturday and show him around behind the scenes in the hope it will bring back a memory or two.”

Mark Sennett, of supporters’ trust OxVox, said: “It’s a great idea and I hope that something sparks a memory for him.”

tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk