Jamie Brooks could not hide his disappointment at the departure of Oxford United physio Neil Sullivan - admitting that he may never have been back playing football had it not been for his help.

Sullivan quit United to join former U's boss Mark Wright at Peterborough on the day that the Oxford players returned to training.

And Brooks said he was "gutted" that he has left.

"Neil was so much more than a physio," he said.

"Him going is like a club losing their star player - it is an absolutely massive loss.

"Neil had the x-factor that you look for, every player had the utmost respect for him and trusted him.

"He played a massive part at a club. He was a great physio, and you knew that if you needed treatment, he would get you back playing as soon as he could.

"I'm gutted that he has gone."

Sullivan played a huge role in getting Brooks back to fitness after he was struck down with Guillain-Barre Syndrome at the end of the 2000-1 season.

After nearly losing his life on two or three separate occasions, the U's striker gradually started to recover - but it was a long road, and one that Sullivan was crucial in.

It was something that Jamie was quick to acknow- ledge.

"If it wasn't for Neil, I would not have recovered as well as I did," he added.

"I don't think that I would have got back to playing football at the level I am if he wasn't there - and at least it would have taken me a lot longer without his help.

"I just can't thank him enough for everything he has done for me.

"I have worked with a few physios now, but he is by far the best I've had, and I am sure that a lot of the players here would say the same.

"It is just such a big blow that he has gone, but all we can do is wish him all the best at Peterborough."