OXFORD United kitman Ken Ridley has died aged 68, following a long battle with cancer.

A big football fan, he first became associated with the U’s in the 1984 when he worked as a steward at the old Manor Ground before being appointed kitman by manager Denis Smith in 1994.

Born in Stanley, County Durham, Mr Ridley first came to Oxford when he was 20 and worked as a bus driver.

For a number of years, he worked for Oxford City Council’s Parks Department, as well as being employed in the body shop at Morris Garages, where he was also a shop steward.

At one time he drove for ABC Taxis where he also worked in the firm’s booking office when it was in Hollow Way. He also worked in a coalyard.

It was after he retired from the council that he began his long association with Oxford Utd, first becoming a steward in 1984 before being appointed kitman in 1994.

Mr Ridley and his wife, Eileen, used to provide lodgings for some of United’s senior players, including Mickey Lewis, Matt Murphy, Mike Ford, Mark Angel and David Collins, and a number of youth players.

One of Mr Ridley’s sons Grahame said: “My dad was here for a long time and his heart was in Oxford. He had a big association with Oxford Utd and with lots of places in the city.

“Everyone you speak to seemed to know my dad or know of him. He was a fantastic promoter of football. He loved the game and loved being involved in it.

Mr Ridley, who lived in Headington, leaves widow Eileen, sons Grahame and Lee and daughter Denise.

l The funeral service for Mr Ridley will take place today at Oxford Crematorium at 3.45pm. There will be a gathering at the Red Lion in Marston afterwards.