The U's Blogzone

On This Day – 1977: John Shuker Plays Final Game for the U’s

|
Image for On This Day – 1977: John Shuker Plays Final Game for the U’s

Saturday, April 2, 1977 – Oxford United legend John Shuker made his final U’s appearance in a 3-2 loss at home to Peterborough United.

The versatile player joined the U’s in 1961 and made his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Lincoln City, in what was Oxford United’s first-ever season in the Football League.

Not to be known at the time but Shuker would go on to set the record for the most Football League appearances for the club with 478. He ended his Oxford career with 534 appearances, just 30 short of equalling the overall club record which was set by Ron Atkinson.

Shuker scored 47 times for the U’s and was appointed club captain in 1971 following Atkinson’s departure from the club.

The Manchester-born player spent 17 years with the club in total and enjoyed two promotions in the 1960s, and even finished the 1968/69 season as the club’s top scorer with eight goals.

He remained in Oxfordshire following his retirement and sadly passed away in December 2019. 

Share this article