PAUL Moody is relishing being reunited with the class of ’96 when Oxford United’s promotion team come together for a special dinner.

A sensational run in the second half of the 1995/96 season saw the U’s claim the runners-up spot in Division 2 – the equivalent to Sky Bet League One.

Denis Smith’s side won 13 of their final 17 matches, drawing three and losing just once as they overhauled Blackpool to bag automatic promotion.

To mark the 20-year anniversary, players such as Matt Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, Phil Whitehead, Joey Beauchamp and Mike Ford will return for a one-off reunion.

Moody cannot wait – but just hopes he recognises everyone.

“The majority of that team will have not seen each other since 1996 or 1997,” he said.

“I hope people haven’t changed much or it could be a little bit awkward!

“I have been back to Oxford a number of times and people come up to me and say I still look the same, which is nice, but I have no idea on the others.A lot of us stay in touch on Facebook, but have not been together for a long time.”

Moody has some special memories of a season that started slowly, but really took off after an Elliott blockbuster at Carlisle on February 24.

The U’s were tenth, 13 points off the top-two, before going on an astonishing run.

The centre back hammered home from some 35 yards to equalise for United, before Martin Aldridge netted a late winner.

But Moody’s memories of that game were for a different reason.

“I was lying in bed while the lads won that one,” he said.

“I had travelled up but woke with a flu-like bug and couldn’t play.

“I remember listening to the game and then watching the goals after and it was a great strike.

“After that we went on a great run.”

Smith masterminded the side’s rise, and Moody still rates the boss as among the best he played for.

“I have always said the best managers are the best man-managers,” he said.

“And Denis was exceptional. He knew when to put his arm around you, always stayed calm – even though inside he wasn’t – and gave you wise words.”

Moody added: “It’s brilliant to get the team back together again. And it will be great to meet all the fans, too.

“A night like this might not happen again, so it would be brilliant to see as many people there as possible.”

Tickets are still available for the evening, which will be held at the Oxford Academy in Littlemore on Friday, December 9, starting at 7.30.

Adults can attend for £30, with under 18s £20 which gets you a two-course dinner. A cash bar will also run.