OXFORD United's new owners are showing the Christmas spirit that was lacking under the previous regime by granting Peter Rhoades-Brown a testimonial.

It will be against a Chelsea XI at the end of the season.

And 'Rosie', who starred for Chelsea and Oxford United in football's top flight before going on to become United's football in the community officer, is hoping one or two of the Pemiership champions' international stars will turn out.

However, that will probably depend on whether Jose Mourinho's men are still in Europe, as the Champions League semi-finals are in the same week.

The testimonial, which is a reward for 23 years' service to Oxford United, will be at United's stadium and has been provisionally booked in for Monday, April 30.

Rosie was refused a testimonal by former chairman Firoz Kassam, but new owner Nick Merry says the 44-year-old former left winger, who has always been hugely popular with the fans, thoroughly deserves the honour.

"It's fantastic, I never thought I'd have it," said Rhoades-Brown, who scored 16 goals in 142 appearances for United between 1983 and 1988 before having to quit through injury.

"I had to pack in because of an anterior cruciate ligaments injury when I was 28 and part of the package as I retired was that I would be given a testimonial game. But it didn't happen!

"So it has been on the back burner for a long time. But I spoke to Nick Merry and Jim Smith about it and they said 'you certainly can'."

Rhoades-Brown was a product of Chelsea's youth scheme.

Born in Hampton, he soon made a name for himself with his ability to beat a defender, and his occasional spectacular goal.

His finest moment in a Blues shirt came when he opened the scoring in a televised FA Cup fifth-round win over reigning European champions Liverpool in February 1982.

Oxford signed him for £84,000 in January, 1984. But with Kevin Brock also in the side, he was never a permanent fixture.

Nevertheless, Rosie was very popular on the terraces and it was ironic that his career-ending injury came just at a time when he was in superb form.

A bubbly and infectious character, and great with kids, he became not only ideal for the job of community officer, going around to schools and running soccer courses for youngsters, but very good at it as well.

He said: "I had a great time here as a player and I love the work I do in the community. The rewards are enormous."

Said Merry: "If there's anybody that deserves a testimonial, it's Peter. He does a tremendous job for the club."

Ticket prices for the testimonial will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, if bought in advance, £2 more if bought on the day. They are likely to go on sale some time in January.