Peter Rhoades-Brown's 23-years' service to United as player and then football in the community officer will be recognised on Monday when an Oxford United XI take on a Chelsea XI at the Kassam Stadium (7.45).

Rhoades-Brown joined United in 1984, having played more than 100 league and cup games for the Blues.

The Londoner said he jumped at the chance when Oxford boss Jim Smith came in for him.

"It was the best move I ever made," he said.

"I enjoyed my time at Chelsea. But they signed Mickey Thomas and I was getting further down the pecking order.

"I always got on well with Jim. His half-time team talks were legendary.

"If you weren't pulling your weight he would let you know about it.

"And if you were playing well he would tell you.

"With Jim you always knew where you stood."

However, Rhoades-Brown suffered a massive blow when he was forced to miss the Milk Cup Final of 1986 due to a knee injury.

Ironically, he suffered the injury in a league match with QPR weeks before the sides met at Wembley.

"As a kid, you dream of playing at Wembley. The best day in the in the history of the club - but the worst day of my life.

"There was not enough room to sit on the bench, so I had to sit in the stand with my family. It was heartbreaking. I had played in just about every round of the cup."

He played his last game for United in October 1989 at Portsmouth, before he was forced to quit the professional game at the age of 28 due to a succession of knee problems.

He later went part-time, having spells at a number of local sides including Abingdon Town.

"One of the worst moments was knowing I couldn't play anymore and collecting my boots for the last time before walking out of the Manor.

"But you have bad days and good days in football. However, I have a lot of great memories."

Rhoades-Brown said he had been staggered by the response to his testimonial.

"It has been brilliant. Everyone I have spoken to said they would play. We've got a squad of 21 players, but I had enough for two teams.

"I would like to thank my testimonial committee, Jerome Sale, Dave Connett, Jeremy Hockley and his wife Amanda, who have done a tremendous job in organising everything."

Fittingly, the players will don specially-made replicas of the Oxford shirt from the 1984-85 season, when United won the Second Division championship, for the testimonial.

Jeremy Charles, Roy Burton, Les Phillips and Dean Whitehead hope to take part in a half-time penalty shoot-out, with the proceeds going to the Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO).

Rhoades-Brown's old club, Chelsea are sending a mixture of reserves and young professionals, including their £2m protege from Leeds Michael Woods, Israeli teenage sensation Ben Sahar and Scott Sinclair who has just returned from a highly succesful loan spell at Championship side Plymouth.