Former Oxford United player Johnny Love has died, aged 73 after a long illness.

A speedy left winger, Mr Love played more than 300 games for United between 1955 and 1963.

Most of them were before their election to the Football League.

Born in Eynsham, he played for Eynsham, Oxford City and Wolves’ youth team before making his Headington United debut in March 1955.

In his second season, he was picked for England Youth against Wales and Scotland.

He went on to score 45 goals for the club, including on his League debut in a 2-1 defeat at Darlington in September 1962.

Good friends with ‘The Tank’ Ron Atkinson, Mr Love’s last game was in 1963, a 2-1 defeat at Carlisle.

After his career in football, he went into painting and decorating and worked for Smith Industries Lld.

Mr Love, who lived in Stanton Harcourt for nearly 50 years, died on November 19, leaving a widow, Evelyn (known as Jane), two children and three grandchildren.

His funeral takes place at Oxford Crematorium on Friday, December 3.