FORMER Oxford United boss Denis Smith was today still coming to terms with the death of Martin Aldridge.

The ex-United striker was killed in a head-on car crash at Wellingborough, Northants, on Saturday.

Smith brought Aldridge to the Manor Ground in December 1995, and the striker played a big part in United's promotion that season, scoring nine goals in 15 starts.

Smith said: "It's a big shock for everybody and even more so because he was just a young lad.

"I've been to the ground and it's really hurt a few people down there."

Aldridge came to Oxford on a free transfer from Northampton.

"I signed him because he was a born goal scorer," said Smith. "He'd got that knack that strikers have and was very confident in his own ability.

"He always used to say to me when he was on the bench 'put me on and I'll score for you.'"

The 25-year-old scored 22 goals for Oxford during his spell.

"I remember him scoring a first-half hat-trick against Sheffield United, which was a fantastic achievement," said Smith.

"But I especially remember a goal he scored at Carlisle that kicked us off on our winning run that led to promotion.

"The players were screaming at me to take him off, but I left him on and he popped up in the last minute to score the winner."

OXFORD United players will wear black armbands for tonight's match against Preston North End at the Manor, but there will be no minute's silence.

HARRY Thompson, who managed Headington United from 1949 to 1958 has died aged 84.

Story date: Tuesday 01 February

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.