OXFORD United legend John Aldridge has voiced his support for the club’s new stadium proposals.

The U’s are looking to build a new ground at The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout, with the club’s licence agreement at the Kassam Stadium running out in 2026.

On September 19, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet is set to decide whether or not to lease or sell land at The Triangle to the club.

READ ALSO: Everton loanee discusses life at Oxford United after first league start

Aldridge, who smashed 90 goals in 141 appearances for United prior to a £775,000 move to Liverpool, is heading to the Kassam in October for a Q&A event alongside his former Reds teammate John Barnes.

The 64-year-old is set to reminisce on his time with the U’s, however he is also keeping a close eye on the club’s future when it comes to the stadium plans.

Oxford Mail: Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter Click here to sign up to the Oxford United newsletter (Image: Newsquest)

He compared United’s situation to that of Brentford, who moved into a new ground in August 2020 and were promoted to the Premier League the following May.

“Times are hard and you need good owners to do well,” said Aldridge.

“We’re a bigger side than Brentford and have been for years and years.

“If they can go and do it with the new stadium, why can’t Oxford?

“A new ground can make things happen, and Brentford have done amazing.

“I don’t know the politics behind it all, but the sooner Oxford get a new ground, the better it is for everyone.”

The obvious highlight of Aldridge’s time with the U’s was the Milk Cup victory in 1986, as Maurice Evans’ side beat Queens Park Rangers 3-0 at Wembley.

“I had three great years at Oxford and I left on good terms with the fans, who were always supportive of me,” said Aldridge.

“It’ll be good to go back as I always had a great reception and enjoyed every one of my goals I scored for Oxford.

“We had a fantastic team and winning the Milk Cup was a dream. We had a great team and great players.

“It was my dream as a kid to play at Wembley, and to turn up there as big underdogs, but win 3-0 was fantastic.

“I was just gutted I didn’t score on the day. I missed an absolute sitter but had a hand in two of the goals.

“We battered them and were fantastic. It was a great night afterwards too.”

Reflecting on his time at United, Aldridge added: “Billy Hamilton was an amazing player for us. I played with [Ian] Rush and [Peter] Beardsley, but Billy was up there with them all.

“He was a wonderful player and the partnership we had was phenomenal.

“I was a massive Liverpool fan growing up and I was happy to stay at Oxford, but the only club I’d leave for was Liverpool. It was a no-brainer for me.

“I always look for the results every Saturday and want them to win. I love all the clubs I played for.”

Tickets for the Q&A event with Aldridge and Barnes on October 20 can be purchased via: eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-barnes-aldridge-tickets-638140293797

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe

As a digital subscriber you will get: 

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website 
  • Advert-light access 
  • Reader rewards 
  • Full access to our app

About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.