DES Buckingham has paid tribute to former goalkeeper Steve Hardwick and supporter Jack Badger following their deaths this week.

Hardwick made 196 appearances for Oxford United, and was virtually an ever-present as the U’s won back-to-back titles in Division Three and Division Two, in 1984 and 1985.

He died on Monday, aged 68, while the passing of 24-year-old Badger, a midfielder for Abingdon United, was also announced this week.

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U’s head coach Buckingham said: “People who have gone through and made such a contribution to this club, it’s sad to see them pass.

“It was extremely sad to see the news that came out about Jack. I didn’t personally know him, but there are a lot of people around Oxford that will have played with him for Wantage or Abingdon, and the impact that has around the community.

“I’ve certainly seen an outpouring of support and emotion to what is a very tragic event, and I think that just shows, as an Oxford fan how he was, how close this community can be.

“Our best wishes go out to the family, and we will look over the next couple of days as we lead into the next home game to really try and do something for him.”