Oxford United legend Dave Langan was overwhelmed by the generosity of supporters after an appeal to buy his medals smashed through the target well before the deadline.

The 56-year-old was almost lost for words when he was informed by the Oxford Mail yesterday.

Fans have donated £5,146 less than four weeks after OxVox launched the campaign to purchase the defender’s Milk Cup and Division 2-winners medals.

It is less than half the time United’s supporters’ trust set aside to reach the £5,000 goal.

Financial problems have forced Langan, who suffers from knee and back pain following an injury-ravaged career, to sell his house in Peterborough.

The money will go towards buying a mobile home, which he plans to move into next month with his wife, Dawn.

When told, a stunned Langan said: “That’s unbelievable. Once again the Oxford fans have helped me out.

“It makes a hell of a difference to me, I had to raise the money somehow and this gives me a bit of help.

“I’m totally shocked by it. People don’t have any money spare these days, I understand their situation.

“I don’t know how, but they just seem to do things for me.”

Langan was also planning to sell the 26 caps he earned playing for the Republic of Ireland, but he may now reconsider.

Supporters were quick to dig deep for the full back, who was part of United’s most successful side in the 1980s.

Online donations were backed up with collections during the opening week of the season, with the target easily passed during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bury.

Mark Sennett, OxVox’s chairman, was delighted with the response.

He said: “When people realised it was for Dave, everyone was happy to throw money in the bucket.

“It’s because of the kind of player he was and also the players from that era mean a lot to the fans.

“We are a great community club and nothing shows that better than raising £5,000 in three weeks to keep a roof over a former player’s head.”

Donations can still be made via OxVox’s Paypal account or in person on match days.

Langan will be their guest of honour for United’s home game against Chesterfield on September 21, where he will be presented with a cheque.

The medals will then go on permanent display at the club.