Former Oxford United star Hughie McGrogan was named last night as the man who died when his car hit a railway bridge near Bicester.

Mr McGrogan was driving towards Aylesbury on Tuesday when his Peugeot 405 veered into the Blackthorn bridge.

The car burst into flames at the notorious A41 accident blackspot and Mr McGrogan, 41, died at the scene.

Tributes have been coming in to the former player who made his debut in 1975 against Manchester United at the Manor.

McGrogan, of Teal Close, Arncott, near Bicester, was a 17-year-old apprentice at the time and afterwards enjoyed a chat with fellow Scot Sir Matt Busby, the Red Devils' manager. The youngster's spirited performance helped the U's win 1-0.

Club secretary Mick Brown said: "This is very tragic. One of Hugh's relatives has been in touch so that we can inform everyone at the ground.

"I didn't know him as a person but I remember him as an excellent player and a good servant to the club.

"It's always tragic when someone dies so young. This has come as a real shock."

After his stunning debut against Manchester United, McGrogan started out as a left winger but his versatility meant that he would sometimes be used on the right or as a striker.

He was often brought on as a substitute and had a reputation for being tricky and aggressive, with the ability to mesmerise full-backs.

During his sixth season with the club he joined Carlisle United for £19,000 in a double move with Gary Watson. He later became player-manager of Bicester Town.

An inquest is expected to be opened in the near future.

More than a dozen vehicles have ploughed into the bridge since 1990, promoting residents to call for safety measures to be introduced.

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