OXFORD United legend Ron Atkinson is celebrating a very special birthday.

The U's record appearance-maker, who twice led the club to promotion, turned 80 today.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Mr Atkinson said he was celebrating with a round of golf and a quiet meal later, having just come back from a holiday in Barbados.

He said: "Oxford has always had a special place in my heart - I loved every minute I spent there.

"I always like to see them doing well.

"I am sure some time in the near future I will be back to watch a game there."

Big Ron - or The Tank as he is affectionately known - is arguably the Yellows' greatest ever player and played 562 games from 1959-1971.

In a varied career, he starred in the club's FA cup run in 1964 before becoming a highly successful manager.

A long-broadcasting career saw him cover several major football championships for ITV.

He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2013.