Former Witney Town chairman Aubrey Oakey has died at his home in Witney at the age of 81.

Mr Oakey, who for many years made Witney Town a major part of his life, had been ill for several weeks.

A former goalkeeper with both Witney Town and Oxford City, he masterminded the club's move from Marriott's Close to a new stadium at Downs Road, which was opened in October 1992 with a game against Ron Atkinson's Aston Villa.

The game drew a crowd of more than 2,100, but within a year, Mr Oakey had stepped down as chairman.

Former manager Andy Lyne said: "The longer I was involved at Witney, the more I realised what his contribution was to the club. All he ever really wanted was for Witney Town to be successful. His death is very sad."

Mr Oakey leaves a wife, Colleen, daughter Vicky, and three sons Michael, Raymond and Trevor.