Oxford United legend Joey Beauchamp dies aged 50

Oxford United have paid tribute to their former winger Joey Beauchamp, who has died at the age of 50.

Beauchamp signed with his home-town club as a YTS trainee in 1987 and was sold to Premier League side West Ham in 1994 for a then club-record fee of £1.2m.

However, the winger did not play a competitive match for the Hammers, as he switched to Swindon just a couple of months later to be closer to his family.

Beauchamp returned to Oxford in November 1995, and ended up making 428 appearances and scoring 80 goals for United – leaving him 10th and fifth respectively in the club’s all-time lists – before a toe injury ended his career in 2002.

“The thoughts of everyone at Oxford United are with the family and friends of Joey Beauchamp who has passed away aged 50,” a club statement read.

“The club will pay fitting tribute to one of its greatest ever players in due course but for now we ask fans to allow Joey’s family some privacy at this incredibly sad time.”

Swindon added in a statement: “We are heartbroken to learn of the death of former Town player, Joey Beauchamp.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joey’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

His former team mate Ross Weatherstone also paid tribute to him: " Sleep well my friend, heaven has gained the best left foot I have ever played with."

And fans have been sharing their memories of Joey on social media.