THE son of a former Oxford United chairman has paid tribute to a father who treated everyone at the club the same, from cleaners to the star players of the 1980s.

Patrick McGeough, known as Pat, initially joined United as finance director, going on to run the club during Robert Maxwell’s tenure as owner.

Edgbaston-born McGeough died in September, aged 87, following a short battle with terminal bladder cancer.

After moving to Milton-under-Wychwood in 1975, McGeough later found work at the publishers Pergamon Press, founded by Maxwell.

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McGeough’s son, Jason, told this newspaper: “He worked with Maxwell at Pergamon Press, at Headington Hill, as the finance guy. The opportunity came up to work at the club when Maxwell took over, so he’d already worked with him for some time.

“Maxwell was a big figure and had a presence when he was in the room. He was a very demanding boss and dad would work very long hours.

“My childhood memories are that dad would work long hours, but I never felt like we were missing out because he made us feel included.”

Oxford Mail: Pat McGeough ran Oxford United during Robert Maxwell’s tenure as ownerPat McGeough ran Oxford United during Robert Maxwell’s tenure as owner (Image: McGeough family photo)

McGeough said of his father: “He was very humble about it all and had the smallest office at The Manor, but he enjoyed it.

“He was very hands on and had time for everyone, from the players to the supporters’ club. He would listen to them and always treated them with respect because he always took on feedback from the supporters.

“He would always say that his office door was open for a moan or a chat, and he treated the cleaners and the superstars exactly the same.

“He was there when the team was going through the divisions. They were the best years and there was such a buzz and excitement surrounding the team.

“The players really were special, with the likes of John Aldridge, Ray Houghton and Dean Saunders all playing for the club. Jim Smith was such a superb manager and person as well.

“We used to thump teams at The Manor, it was magical down there. Going there on a match day, it was such a fortress.

“They were wonderful times and the Milk Cup win was a bit of a dream for me.

“It went so quickly and I had to watch it back several times just to remember what had happened.”

McGeough added: “I remember meeting some amazing people through my dad. The likes of Bobby Charlton, Matt Busby, Stanley Matthews, and even Pele and Elton John.

“Pele was the most generous person you could ever meet and was so generous with his time. He had that habit of making you feel like you were the only person in that room with him.”