Oxford United's Peter Rhoades-Brown marks 40 years since signing.

Peter Rhoades-Brown signed from Chelsea in 1984

An Oxford United legend is marking 40 years since he first joined the club.

Peter Rhoades-Brown signed from Chelsea in January 1984 and was part of the club's heyday when the team played in the old First Division.

After injury ended his playing career, he rejoined the Us to help set up the club's first community team, and is now part of its commercial operation.

He said his four decades with the club had been a "great journey".

The left winger - known as Rosie - was part of manager Jim Smith's side that reached the top flight of English football in 1985.

Having signed for the then third division club in January of the the previous year, he won two promotions in 18 months before Oxford United's three-year stay in English football's top flight.

'Glory days'

He played alongside some of the club's most famous names, including Ray Houghton, Trevor Hebberd, Billy Hamilton and John Aldridge, but was injured before the side's 1986 Milk Cup final win over QPR at Wembley.

He said his move to the Manor Ground was "the best decision I ever made".

"It was the right time. The squad and management was fantastic - the whole club was on a high in the glory days," he said.

Another injury in 1988 would end Rhoades-Brown's playing career. After a short break he returned to Oxford United as football in the community officer and in 2021 he was awarded a special EFL Award for long service.

He has also been part of Radio Oxford's commentary team, broadcasting some of the club's subsequent lows and highs, including the play off final in 2010 which saw the side return to the Football League.

"It was a great day for the club - I don't think people realise how close we were to going under," he said.

Peter Rhoades-Brown played on the left wing for Oxford United