OXFORD United legend Joey Beauchamp has died, aged 50.

In a statement, the club said: “The thoughts of everyone at Oxford United are with the family and friends of Joey Beauchamp, who has passed way aged 50.”

Oxford-born Beauchamp signed for the U’s as a youth player in 1987, having been a ball boy at the Milk Cup final in 1986, as part of the Oxford Boys under-15s side.

He is currently 10th in the United appearances table with 428 games, and fifth in the all-time Oxford goalscoring chart with 77.

Having starred as a youngster and attracted the interest of many top clubs, Beauchamp was bought by West Ham United for £1,000,000 in 1994, before a spell at Swindon Town after which he returned to the Manor to help the side win promotion in 1996.

A toe injury ended his career after his final goal for the club at the Kassam Stadium against Exeter City.

The club added that it will pay fitting tribute to ‘one of its greatest ever players in due course’ but for now asks fans to allow Beauchamp’s family some privacy.