OXFORD United's stand-in northern announcer may no longer be delighting the Kassam Stadium crowds but his dulcet tones will be following the women's team on a permanent basis.

Sunderland season ticket holder Shaun Ritchie volunteered for United's first two home games - when regularly announcer Nathan Cooper was required for radio duty - and caused a stir among fans.

The Oxford Bus Company employee, who moved to the city 18 months ago, has now been revealed as the women's team announcer when the season gets under way later this month.

The 38-year-old, who lives in Didcot, said his two games in the spotlight - against Portsmouth and Shrewsbury - were 'surreal'.

He said: "It was a whirlwind, there was a big crowd for the Portsmouth game and I was a little nervous, but everyone made me so welcome and I loved every minute.

"It was surreal really, after the match my mates in the North East were calling me saying I was all over social media.

"I couldn't believe it, all I did was help out at the football and everyone was talking about it."

He initially got involved with the Oxford United Women when Oxford Bus Company became their sponsor and the team needed help with transport to away games.

Mr Ritchie - who transferred from sister company Go North East, volunteered to drive the coach, which he said led him to becoming part of the club's family.

He said: "It's been brilliant watching the Women's team progress, they have really taken me under my wing and the Oxford Bus Company and Oxford United are one big family really.

"I started doing the PA at the Women's games last season as well because they didn't have anyone and this season I'm going to help more widely at every home game.

"Suddenly I got a call out of the blue from Peter Rhoades-Brown at United, I couldn't believe a club legend was calling me.

"He said he'd heard good reports about me from the Women's team and asked if I could help with the first team on the PA for two games."

His North East accent and boxing ring master style attracted a range of reviews on social media from fans, as well as passengers and colleagues asking him about his new-found fame.

Some speculated whether he was brought in to make new signing Mike Williamson, from Newcastle, feel at home.

But it was his exuberant shouts of Gino - after fellow new signing Gino van Kessel scored in both games - which fans enjoyed the most.

Former united player and the club's business development manager, Peter Rhoades-Brown, said: ""We are lucky to have a brilliant team of volunteers at the club and when we needed a bit of extra help Shaun was delighted to step in.

"The Oxford Bus Company have been so supportive and we can't thank them enough.

He added: "Shaun did a great job - everyone was talking about his big goal announcements as much as Gino's debut goal."

Next weekend Mr Ritchie will return as PA when Oxford United Women take on Sheffield FC Ladies at Oxford City's Marsh Lane stadium.