TRIBUTES have been paid to long-serving Oxford City chairman Brian Cox, who has died aged 83.

Cox took over as Hoops chairman in 2003, a role he held for more than 20 years.

His passing has led to a raft of tributes for a man who was synonymous with the Hoops.

A minute’s silence was held before the Hoops’ trip to Altrincham this afternoon, the club’s final Vanarama National League game of the season.

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Hoops owner Justin Merritt told the club website: “Brian was Mr Oxford City. He dedicated much of his life to the club and to football in Oxfordshire, and will be sorely missed by everyone associated with Oxford City.

“Brian would be on-site nearly every day and whether it was watching any type of football, working tirelessly on stadium repairs and jobs, or hosting the guests in the boardroom, he would always have a smile or kind word to offer.

“He guided the club through some difficult times but always with honesty, dignity and an enormous pride in the club’s history and vision for the future.

“He had fought very bravely against illness and he will be a huge loss to us as a football club. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Long-time Hoops photographer Mike Allen told this newspaper: “Although a City supporter for almost six decades, I got to know Brian back in 2007, when after a hiatus I took up the reins again as the Oxford City club photographer.

“Brian was Oxford City to his core and went out of his way to make those working for the club and supporters alike feel both welcome and valued.

“I will greatly miss speaking with Brian during games when he would stand behind the goal giving his unique perspective on the game and engaging in banter often saying ‘did you get it’ when City scored or there was a major incident.

“The memories I will really cherish come from the amazing FA Cup games in recent years away at Colchester United, Tranmere Rovers, Notts County and Shrewsbury Town, and at home to Northampton Town, where Brian’s joy and pride in the club was on full display.

“Not even the Covid pandemic could dent Brian’s enthusiasm and the pinnacle for Brian was City’s promotion to the National League last season. It was truly fitting that Brian should be at the helm when the club achieved its highest ever position in the football pyramid.”

Hoops head coach Ross Jenkins said: “Brian was a true gentleman and was loved by everyone here at Oxford City.

“What he’s done for the club over the years has been nothing short of remarkable. I had the great pleasure of being around Brian on a daily basis, sharing stories, talking about football and watching him get stuck into jobs around the ground at his age was truly inspirational.

“I’m extremely proud that Brian got to enjoy and celebrate last season’s promotion as he’s played a massive part in this club’s progression over the years on and off the pitch, long before I joined the club.

“Every great club has a great man behind the scenes, and Brian was certainly that man. Brian is, and will forever be, a club legend in my eyes. He will be greatly missed by everyone at Oxford City.”