FORMER Oxford United star Geoff Denial has died aged 88.

Born in Yorkshire in 1932, he joined Headington United in 1955 after a spell with Sheffield United.

He had to wait for his debut, being called up for service during the Suez Crisis, but was still able to make 199 appearances for the club.

Arriving as a defender, he went on to become a forward with United and netted 32 times during the 1959/60 Southern League campaign.

In all he scored 51 goals for the club, who were a Football League outfit by the time he stepped down.

Former teammate Ron Atkinson told United's website: "I took over as captain from Geoff and he was one of my best mates as a player and then for the rest of his life.

"He was a quality player but also a fantastic personality and this is really sad news for all of us. Our thoughts are with his family."