AFTER spending years dazzling the Oxford United crowd, Joey Beauchamp is rightly revered as one of the club’s greatest ever players.

Since his death, aged 50, was confirmed last night, the football world has come together in mourning.

To Oxford-born Beauchamp, the U’s meant a great deal, and that feeling was reciprocated by fans, who have paid their respects to the former winger.

Matt Fox-Tucker said: “[Joey] deserves a stand at the new stadium, if it’s built, named after him. Such a tragic end for such a skilful and much-loved player.”

Andrew Campbell added: “Absolutely devastated by this news. For me, he was by far and away the best player I have ever seen play for Oxford. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Joey.”

Gallery: Memorable moments from Joey Beauchamp’s Oxford United career

Beauchamp’s most iconic moment in a U’s shirt was a 35-yard volley against Blackpool in 1996.

With the U’s hunting down the Seasiders in the 1995/96 Division Two promotion race, the two sides met at the Manor Ground.

Beauchamp’s wonder strike earned United a priceless 1-0 win, and continued their charge towards promotion.

Steven Jennings was at the Manor that day, and said: “I remember being in the London Road end right behind the goal when he hit that. I always remember that goal. Such sad news, he was Oxford through and through.”

Read again: Joey Beauchamp goal against Blackpool arguably Oxford United’s greatest

Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown said: “Absolutely terrible news. I was so sad to hear it. My thoughts are with Joey’s family and friends.

“A fantastic player who was inspirational to watch. I was very proud to be his local councillor for a while.”

Les Adams added: “RIP Joey. On his day, he was unplayable.”

“What an OUFC legend, met him once and such a great man,” added James Carpenter.

Beauchamp played briefly for United’s rivals Swindon Town, with fan Paddy Stavros saying: “God bless him. Never happened for him at Upton Park or for us at Swindon Town but it’s understandable why – his heart was always with the Yellows.”