JIM Smith reflected on a ‘great bloke and Oxford United nut’ after hearing the news that former U’s secretary Jim Hunt died this week.

Hunt, who was 91, formed a crucial part of the backroom team for the glory years of the 1980s, when United won back-to-back promotions into England’s top-flight, as well as triumphing in the 1986 Milk Cup final at Wembley.

Smith was the manager for a large chunk of that period, and said the role that Hunt, fondly known as ‘Gentleman Jim’, played should not be underestimated.

“He was a really great bloke,” Smith said.

“He was an Oxford United nut and would do anything to help the club.

“As manager, the support he gave me was invaluable.

“He would do anything for you, and was always totally professional. He was such a supporter of the club and it’s very sad news.”

Hunt became United secretary in 1976, having served for five years in the same role for the supporters’ club.

He stayed in the role until joining the board of directors in 1989, where he remained for another two years.

Hunt was also a leading figure in Oxfordshire cricket.

He was a former chairman and secretary of the Oxfordshire County Cricket Association, and a stalwart of Kidlington CC, playing his first game for the club in 1938 aged 14.

He became club president in 1972, a position he held until his death.

Hunt moved to Dunblane in Scotland in 1997 with his wife Barbara, to be closer to his daughter Paula, and their grandchildren.

The couple also had a son, James.

Oxfordshire Cricket Board chairman Chris Clements hailed Hunt’s contribution to the sport.

“He was a founder of what we have today,” he said. “The OCCA was the forerunner of the OCB.

“Jim was at the heart of that and was a fantastic man and a lovely bloke.”

Clements also had memories Hunt’s days at the Manor Ground working under chairman Robert Maxwell.

“He was a calming man, who spoke plainly and didn’t suffer fools,” he added.

“He had a lovely smile on his face, but he was a tough cookie under that.”

Wilf Bennett was Hunt’s predecessor as OCCA chairman and also used to assist him on matchdays at the Manor.

He said: “He was a very keen cricketer, and he knew how to produce young lads to play at Kidlington and Oxfordshire as well.”

Mick Brown, who took over from Hunt as United secretary in 1989, said he helped him immensely.

“He was very easy going, taught me a lot and really shaped my career,” he said.

“I remember when we signed Jimmy Phillips from Glasgow Rangers, there was no real technology and so Jim had to drive to Scotland to get his signature for the move to happen.”

Peter Rhoades-Brown, who joined Oxford in 1984 and still works at the club, added: “Whenever players signed back in those days, we all moved to the area.

“If you wanted any advice or help, Jim was your man.

“I remember going on a trip to Bulgaria and Jim came along with Barbara.

“I think the Bulgarian wine went down well one night because Jim got up for a couple of sing-songs and got a standing ovation from the players.”