Two Wembley successes and two magnificent achievements – but just which is Oxford United’s greatest day?

Promotion back into the Football League in May came almost a quarter of a century after the U’s lifted the Milk Cup in 1986.

And one of the central figures when United won what is now the Carling Cup 25 years ago to the day says last year’s Wembley win was much more important.

Jim Rosenthal was the ITV sports presenter for the live screening of the final on April 20, 1986 when Oxford United beat Queens Park Rangers 3-0.

He is now one of the club’s directors, and he admits that their return to the national stadium last May, for the Conference Play-Off final, was much more nail-biting – because, for the club, it meant so much more.

“There was much more tension last May,” he says. “That was the one.

“Listen . . . the Milk Cup was a wonderful day for the club and we won a tournament at Wembley, that was fantastic.

“But in terms of the overall status of the club, that trip to Wembley last May was much more nerve-wracking and much more important.”

Rosenthal was broadcasting to millions back in ‘86.

But 11 months ago, he knew that Oxford United were facing oblivion if they couldn’t overcome York and return to the Football League.

“I was in more of a state last May than 25 years ago because, if we hadn’t won that game, we were in danger of becoming a Wrexham, a Cambridge, a York, and spending a very long time out of the Football League.

“So of the two Wembley games Oxford United have been involved in, I loved that one in 1986, but there is absolutely no doubt that the one in 2010 was more important.”

Rosenthal, a former Oxford Mail sports reporter, reckons May 16, 2010 was more draining.

“Even after the game at Wembley last year, friends have told me they were talking to me afterwards and I wasn’t taking anything in,” Rosenthal said.

“I had been very nervous that day.

“The Milk Cup final was different because I had a job to do.”