UNITED players past and present paid tribute this week to Martin Aldridge, whose funeral in Daventry on Wednesday was attended by nearly 500 mourners.

Les Robinson said: "He was a fantastic lad and I used to travel in with him and play golf with him.

"He was always full of energy and was a good goalscorer for the club. It is a tragic waste."

Matt Murphy, who along with Denis Smith was one of the pall-bearers, said: "He lived just up the road from me and was a great lad.

"He stuck his goals away superbly for us. It just seemed that if the ball dropped in the box, it would be to him."

Mark Angel, now at West Brom, admitted he was devastated when he heard the news that his "mate" had died. When United played away matches, he and Aldridge often used to room together. "He was just a really nice bloke, quiet, but he got on with everyone," said Angel. "As a player, I rated him too - he would always be good for a goal."

United supporter Paul Edwards paid his respects to Martin Aldridge when he took part in the half-time entertainment at the Manor before the Blackpool game last Saturday.

Paul had to hit the crossbar from 35-yards in order to win £50 but, despite his lucky No 9 Aldridge shirt, just failed. He did, though, score the first goal in an Oxford shirt at the Manor since January 11!

Story date: Friday 11 February

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