MAURICE Evans, the man who led Oxford United to their greatest ever triumph, has died suddenly at the age of 63.
Evans, who suffered a heart attack, was the United boss when they won the Milk Cup on an unforgettable April day at Wembley in 1986. They beat Queens Park Rangers 3-0.
What made that success even more sweet was that Jim Smith, the man Evans succeeded as United manager, was in charge of the QPR side that day.
In his modest style, Evans declined to receive his manager's medal, allowing popular club physio Ken Fish to receive the award himself.
Evans was manager from 1985 to 1988 when United were in the top flight.
He resigned in 1988 when the club were fighting for their Division 1 survival.
Over the next ten years, he was the one stabilising factor at the Manor during his role as club scout, as United went through a succession of managers.
In 1998, his contribution to the club was recognised when he was elected as a director.
However, in the past year he became more disillsioned with the club, and returned to his former club Reading as scout.
A full appreciation of Evans's contribution to Oxford United will appear in Sport on Monday MAURICE EVANS: led Oxford United to Milk Cup glory in 1986
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