EX-FOOTBALLER Bill Dempsey got to relive his glory days when he met today’s Oxford United stars at his retirement home.

The 85-year-old was an outside right for Headington United in the 1950s, before the club was re-named Oxford United in 1960.

Yesterday, chairman Kelvin Thomas took Tony Capaldi, Simon Heslop, Tom Craddock and Jon-Paul Pittman along for a chat.

The visit to Yarnton Residential and Nursing Home was part of a fundraising and day of awareness for charity Dementia UK.

Dementia sufferer Mr Dempsey, a former Cowley Rover worker, said: “Each game was a highlight as I loved football so much.”

The former Woodstock resident, also an Oxfordshire Football Association young player, said: “Football then was much more popular on a local basis.

“Coaches were laid on so almost the whole village would turn out to support their players.”

While U’s players pick up an average £1,000 a week, Mr Dempsey said the team’s amateur league life was less glamorous.

He said: “It was a really big deal. Of course, there was no money involved, but that didn’t matter. It was the thrill of the game.”

Squad members played under fewer rules and regulations, he said, adding: “Players respected the refs – I think the refs had more trouble with the supporters!”

The former amateur boxer was joined by wife Joyce as the four players met residents at the Rutten Lane home, which opened in November.

Mr Thomas said: “It was great to meet a former player and to see the smile on his face. It shows it is a club with a history and a club that is deeply rooted in the community.”

Asked how his side would fare against the city’s boys of post-war Britain, he said: “It is a very different game.

“I think fitness is better. I don’t think we tackle as much as they did then.”

Defender Mr Capaldi said: “It was excellent. It was good to see him doing so well.”

Mr Pittman said: “It is great to meet people from the community.”

Players also got to meet youngsters from neighbouring William Fletcher Primary School’s Glee Club, who sang songs like We Are The Champions for guests.

Teacher Emily Piggott said: “They really enjoyed it, some of them have great-grandparents here.”

A collection raised cash for the charity’s Admiral Nurses, which provides specialist dementia support.