1985–86 Oxford United F.C. season

Despite the departure of manager Jim Smith, who left for Queens Park Rangers after guiding Oxford to two successive promotions, Oxford United narrowly survived their first ever season in English football's top flight. They required a win in their last game of the season to avoid relegation, which they achieved by beating Arsenal 3–0 at the Manor Ground. The club had greater success in the League Cup, reaching the final at Wembley, where they beat Queens Park Rangers 3–0 to win their first ever major trophy. Unfortunately, due to the ban on English teams competing in English competition as a result of the Heysel disaster, Oxford were unable to compete in the UEFA Cup the following season.

Oxford United's kits were manufactured by English company Umbro, who introduced a new home kit for the season. Wang Computers became the new kit sponsors. The home kit featured both navy shorts (for the first time since 1950) and navy socks (for the first time since 1935).

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player — GK  ENG Steve Hardwick — GK  ENG Alan Judge — DF  ENG Gary Briggs — DF  ENG Malcolm Shotton — DF  ENG John Trewick — DF  WAL Neil Slatter — DF  SCO Bobby McDonald — DF  IRL Dave Langan — MF  ENG Kevin Brock

No. Pos. Nation Player — MF  ENG Trevor Hebberd — MF  ENG Mark Jones — MF  ENG Les Phillips — MF  ENG Peter Rhoades-Brown — MF  IRL Ray Houghton — FW  ENG Andy Thomas — FW  WAL Jeremy Charles — FW  NIR Billy Hamilton — FW  IRL John Aldridge