Hardwick joined the U’s from Newcastle United in February 1983, and went on to make 196 appearances for the club.

He was virtually an ever-present as United won back-to-back titles in Division Three and Division Two, in 1984 and 1985, and then played the first half of the 1985/86 season with the club, before joining Crystal Palace on loan.

It meant he missed out on the 1986 Milk Cup final victory against Queens Park Rangers, while a loan spell with Sunderland would then follow.

Hardwick finished his football career at Huddersfield Town, and would then go on to join Holyandswaine Cricket Club as a wicketkeeper, before later becoming groundsman.

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The U’s said in a statement: “Everyone at Oxford United was saddened to learn of the death of former goalkeeper Steve Hardwick on Monday, at the age of 68.

“Steve made 196 appearances for Oxford and will forever be remembered for his part in the club’s stellar rise in the 1980s. We pass on our condolences to Steve’s family and friends.”

Before joining United, Harwick played for Chesterfield and Newcastle United, and while with the latter, he spent time on loan with Detroit Express in the United States.