FORMER Oxford United player Robbie Hughes experienced “flashbacks” when he visited his old club in a bid to get his memory back.

The 28-year-old, who played for the U’s in 2005, was hoping a trip down memory lane to the Kassam Stadium would help his memory go beyond the ’80s and ’90s timewarp he remains stuck in.

He was attacked by a group of Brits outside a nightclub in the Crete resort of Malia in June last year and cannot remember beyond 1993.

But, during a visit to the Kassam Stadium yesterday, there were signs of encouragement.

Robbie, from Bromley, Kent, his mum Maggie, dad David, sister Alaina and fiancee Charlotte Kemp, were given a tour of the club.

Before United’s game against Grays Athletic, Robbie recognised Oxford United centre back Chris Willmott and Grays’s Rob Geir.

Chris, 31, said: “I was here when Rob signed.

“He was not here for long. I heard about what happened to him. It was terrible. But he is talking about things from a long time ago.

“It’s good to see him looking well again.”

Rob said: “Why do I know your face?”

The duo then reminisced about footballing events that happened more than 10 years ago.

Robbie said: “I recognised the stadium. It was nice to see both Rob and Chris. I just find it hard to remember what sort of personalities they have and exactly what they are like.

“I find it easy remembering things in the ’80s and ’90s , but not beyond.”

Mrs Hughes added: “I think it must have been a shock for the players who remembered him to see him after hearing what had happened.”

The football fanatic was made the star of the show when former United player Peter Rhoades-Brown, the club’s football in the community officer, announced his presence to fans ahead of kick-off.

He appeared overwhelmed by the crowd’s reaction and gave a wave in appreciation.

He said: “I was so excited to be coming here. It was great.

“When I watched the players warming up I felt frustrated. I just want to play again.”

Mrs Hughes, 55, said: “That was fantastic. It was like bringing him home again.”

Despite being in a coma for a month and waking up with his left side paralysed, he has made a remarkable recovery.

He is still undergoing rehabilitation, but said within two years he would be playing football “for a Premier League club”.

He said: “I am getting up about 6am and training for three hours a day, six days a week.

“I am playing better than I’ve ever played.”

His father David, 56, said: “He is fitter now than he ever has been. He is strong as an ox.”

After Rob stepped off the pitch he was approached by fans wanting his autograph.

He joked: “It’s been a while since I have done that.”

U’s spokesman Chris Williams said: “It’s was a privilege to have Rob here after what he has been through.

“Everybody at the club is backing him to make a full recovery.”

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