Tributes paid before funeral for Oxford United legend Joey Beauchamp

The former United winger’s death, aged 50, sent the club into mourning last month, with an outpouring of grief from both the football world and local community.

Widely recognised as one of the greatest players to wear the U’s shirt, Beauchamp’s United career was packed with memorable moments.

U’s boss Robinson said when the time is right, the club will create a fitting tribute for Beauchamp.

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“His legacy will never die and that’s part of the football club that we want to be,” said Robinson.

“These iconic people have stood the test of time and gone way beyond what their pay packet ever asked them to do.

“It becomes a sense of belonging – it’ll be an opportunity for people to say their last goodbyes, but at this football club his legacy will live on.

“We’ll give the family time to grieve and we’ve shown the respect in that.

“When the time is right we’ll recreate something that lives forever.

“The memories he’s given our fans will certainly live long in their minds.”

Oxford United boss Karl Robinson remembered Joey Beauchamp before the game against Cambridge United. Picture: David Fleming

Beauchamp’s funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Church in Kidlington this afternoon, at 12pm, followed by a private committal.

The cortege will leave Kingsway Drive, Kidlington, at 11.30am and travel along Bicester Road, Evans Lane, Mill Street and Church Street, to arrive at the church at 11.45am.

Fans are invited to say their goodbyes along that route although the actual service is likely to be exceptionally well attended.

Robinson said the players’ training schedule today will be based around the funeral.

PICTURES: Oxford United’s Joey Beauchamp tributes at Kassam Stadium

He said: “We’ll have representatives of the football club there and we’ll stand there with pride that we knew an Oxford legend.

“Our condolences lie in our thoughts and with the family. They’re the most important people right now.

“Our training schedule will be based around the funeral.

“Certain things need to take priority. It’s still a sport, it’s still a game, it’s not life and death, although Bill Shankly would argue that many years ago.

“We believe in doing things right here and we’ll do that in memories of his life.”

Taylor, who grew up watching Beauchamp dazzle the United crowd, said: “It’ll be a really tough day for the club and everyone connected to it.

“We’ll be going there to show support for the family and close friends, celebrate his life and the man he was and showing all our support.

“His legacy will live forever with this club.

“I grew up watching and idolising that team because they were so good, and he was the best player in that team.

“It’s very sad he’s not with us anymore, but in times like this you have to remember the good times most importantly and celebrate the man he was and the fantastic player he was.”

An online fundraiser in memory of Beauchamp, and to support his daughters, can be found at josephbeauchamp.muchloved.com