Former Oxford Utd and West Ham winger Joey Beauchamp passes away | OneFootball

Former Oxford United and West Ham winger Joey Beauchamp has passed away aged 50.

Oxford confirmed his passing on Twitter, saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of a true Oxford United great. Rest in peace, Joey Beauchamp."

The late Oxford-born midfielder made his big breakthrough at his hometown club in the early 90s after a spell on loan at Swansea.

His form for the U's led to a then club-record £1.2million transfer to Premier League West Ham United.

However, he failed to last long under manager Harry Redknapp at Upton Park.

Beauchamp famously could not stand the traffic while travelling from Oxford to East London each day and exited the Hammers after just 58 days and without a competitive appearance.

Swindon Town splashed out £800,000 plus defender Adrian Whitbread for him and he went on to spend the 1994-95 campaign at the County Ground.

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The lure of home once again proved to be too strong for Beauchamp as he returned back to Oxford in November.

He went on to play over 230 league matches for the club over the next seven years.

But his professional career came to an end when recurring injury problems forced him to retire in 2002.

However, he did manage to sign off with a goal in his final game for Oxford against Exeter City.

Beauchamp then joined local non-league side Abingdon Town to play alongside his brother Luke before later playing for Bletchingdon.

He is widely-recognised as one of Oxford United's greatest-ever players.