SIR Steve Redgrave has admitted he cheers on Oxford at the annual boat race – despite having coached both teams.

The five-time Olympic gold medallist was signing books at WHSmith, in Cornmarket Street, on Saturday.

Sir Steve, who is Britain’s greatest Olympian athlete with five gold medals, chatted with fans and signed copies of his new book Inspired: Stories of Sporting Greatness.

He said: “It was interesting coming to Oxford because there are so many rowers and one girl said she represented Holland.

“In the past I’ve coached both Oxford and Cambridge, but my former rowing partner, Matthew Pinsent, went to university here so I do cheer them on."

Alice McCann, 21, a sports student at Oxford Brookes, pictured with Mr Redgrave and fellow student Henry Carpenter, 23, got her copy of Sir Steve’s book signed for her father.

She said: “He was a nice guy and my dad thinks he’s a total legend so I’m sure he will love the present.”