Headington FC
1897-99
1900's
Oxford United’s story began in 1893 with the founding of Headington FC at the Britannia Inn, right across from where the old Manor Ground would later stand. In its early years, the club fielded several amateur teams, often playing on different days of the week. The "United" suffix appeared irregularly during the first two decades.
The club led a fairly nomadic existance, playing on Wootten’s Field (near the Black Boy pub), the Quarry Recreation Ground and Cowley Barracks.
In 1911, Headington FC merged with a neighbouring team, Headington Quarry, officially forming Headington United Football Club.
There are no photographs to confirm the early kit colours due to black-and-white photography. However, team sheets and programme notes consistently describe the colours as "Orange and Navy".
Headington United FC
1913
1921
1930
1935
1936
During the early 20th century, the club experimented with a variety of shirt styles.
The outbreak of the Great War in 1914 brought football to a standstill, halting the club's progress until play resumed in 1919.
In 1925, the club moved to The Manor Ground, sharing the field with Headington Cricket Club.
By the mid-1930s, the club settled on a new look, swapping the traditional stripes for plain orange shirts with navy trim.
The 1940's
1947
1949
The Second World War again interrupted the club's progress. However, by 1949, Headington United had made its way into the Southern League, the fifth tier of English football.
This milestone season also introduced a significant change — the club's jerseys featured a crest for the very first time. The emblem, an 'ox on water,' was directly inspired by the city’s coat of arms, proudly linking the club to its Oxford roots.
With the club now playing in the fifth tier, the cricket club relocated to Cowley Barracks, making way for the Manor Ground’s development.
The 1950's
1950
1952
1953
1956
1957
1959
The club made a subtle change to the shirt colour during the 50's, shifting from Orange to what is more accurately described as Amber.
It was often mistakenly referred to as "Old Gold", a name traditionally associated with Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, Wolves' traditional Old Gold dates back to the 19th century and was more of a muted gold / mustard colour.
During the 1950's, the team enjoyed several memorable cup victories over established league sides. From 1952 a larger and updated version of the club crest appeared on the shirts.
By 1959, the club had firmly established itself as the most successful team in the city, prompting the playing side to turn professional that same year.
At the same time, an initial attempt to rename the club "Oxford United" was rejected by the Football Association. However, Chairman Ron Coppock argued that the name "Headington" felt too parochial and did not reflect the club’s growing national profile. The FA later reconsidered and approved the name change ahead of the 1960–61 season.