Harry Thompson arrived in 1949

Harry was a former Wolves and Sunderland first-teamer who became the club's first professional manager in July 1949, in time for United's first season in the Southern League.

Harry brought success to the club as it won the rare double of Southern League Championship and Cup in 1952-53.

The Southern League was the top non-league competition south of Cheshire and the U's were clearly one of the best (if not the best) non-league clubs in the country.

This was confirmed the following season when they reached the fourth round of the FA Cup and beat Stockport and Millwall in Manor replays. They also retained the Southern League Cup.

Despite United's ending in ninth place in both 1957 and 1958, the ambitious board of directors sacked the 43-year-old Thompson in November 1958.

Harry continued to live in Oxford and it was a great honour to know the absolutely charming Harry from 1988 until his death in early 2000, a few days before that of his great friend Sir Stanley Matthews.

History compiled by Andy Howland