Velocity Football students and staff honoured head coach Micky Lewis as they returned to classes yesterday.

It was a ‘bitter, sweet’ first day back following lockdown restrictions, after the death of the Oxford United stalwart, who made 351 appearances for the club and was twice caretaker boss.

Micky passed away last week, aged 56, after losing a short battle with lung cancer.

READ MORE: Former Oxford United player and manager Micky Lewis dies

Administered by Ignite Sport UK, Velocity Football is Oxford City Football Club’s full-time education programme.

Micky joined Ignite in 2017 and led coaching and education programmes for the training provider and Oxford City Football Club’s youth and community programmes.

He coached numerous young footballers, including Garath McCleary who went on to play in the premier league for Reading.

Dairy Milk

Flowers and a bar of Micky’s favourite Dairy Milk chocolate snack adorned the entrance to the Velocity Stadium in Marston.

Justin Merritt, the educational academy’s director, addressed students in the centre of the pitch before lessons started.

Mr Merritt told those gathered: “Every single person here today will be feeling the loss of Micky, we are all devastated.

“We’ve lost a friend, a colleague, a great guy and an amazing coach who to all of you was a mentor.

READ MORE: Oxford United fans and ex-players remember Micky Lewis

“Grieving goes through a number of processes. There is loss and pain, but also the pride because Micky impacted so many of us.

“It’s a terrible tragedy, but throughout his short illness Micky was always – always – asking about how each and every one of you was getting on.

“The important thing is that Micky’s legacy plays on. He will always be part of the Velocity Football programme.”

'Forever in his debt'

Second-year level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport student Tyan Hawkins said he will dedicate the rest of his footballing career to Micky after he considered his future in the sport not long ago.

“I didn’t know if to carry on with my career or not,” said Tyan. “But Micky took time out of his day to contact me directly and for that I will be forever in his debt.

READ MORE: Oxford United legend Micky Lewis in recent years - in pictures

“Micky was a great coach but also a friend too. To me, he was the bridge from Velocity Football to Oxford City FC’s first team – I owe everything to him.

“He has taught me how to act in certain situations on and off the field, and I will dedicate the rest of my career to his memory.”

Josh Ashby, Ignite Sport UK coach and Oxford City FC first team player, added: “I’ll never forget the day Micky offered me my first contract at Oxford United and all the memories and laughter we have shared since. He was an inspiration to me, not only as a player but as a coach, but most importantly as a friend. I will be forever grateful for everything Micky taught me. I miss Micky, all his stories and laughter at Oxford City. Our love is with Suzanne and Zach.”

A GoFundMe fundraising page has been set up in Micky's memory as fans continued to leave flowers at the stadium gates yesterday.

Friends and former colleagues have praised Micky's wide-reaching involvement in the community.

Greig Box Turnbull, of Oxford United in the Community, said: “Micky was a phenomenal man who had a vast impact on our community, coaching and mentoring thousands of people. He was a great support to Oxford United in the Community in the early days and everyone at the charity passes on our deepest sympathy to his family and friends. We will miss him desperately, but he will continue to inspire our community and his legacy will never fade.”

And Mr Merritt added: “His contribution to City, Oxfordshire and football is vast. He coached thousands of players and his passion was the same whether it was a first team match, or coaching children at grassroots level. Even in his spare time he coached children at Stonesfield Strikers and Summertown Stars."

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