OXFORD has jumped nearly 20 places in the list of 'greatest sporting cities in the UK' thanks to United's promotion-winning season.

The city climbed from 40th to 21st nationally – and 5th in the South East – when it comes to the best places to be a sports fan.

It was the biggest mover in the study compiled by ESPN and the University of Bath that ranked UK cities on how enjoyable each area was for its sporting supporters.

The TV company said Oxford's rise was "impressive", having scored highly when it came to participation, success and value for money – which fans ranked as the most important factors.

Oxford United chairman Darryl Eales said the club was "proud" to represent the city and that the feel-good factor had grown over the past year.

He said: "It's fantastic news for the city and shows Oxford, and indeed Oxfordshire, is very much on the up.

"Oxford United are proud to bear the name of this wonderful, historic and world-renowned city and to play its full part in helping create a real community spirit based on building a club that is at the heart of the community and seeks to make a positive difference to all.

"Everyone at the club is working hard to bring success both on and off the pitch. There is an uplifting feel-good spirit around the club and amongst supporters.

"We were honoured to be voted as Family Club of the year in League 2 and if our success on the pitch has also helped in some small way in flying the flag for the city, then this is an added bonus."

The city improved in eight of the 12 factors considered including transport, community involvement of its sports teams and social experience of matchdays.

Oxford was top in the country when it came to the percentage of adults regularly playing sport and third in the Value for Money category - which takes into account the lowest home ticket compared to average weekly wage of its fans.

Trevor Lambert, a committee member for OxVox – the club's supporters trust – said it was a great time to be a supporter in Oxford.

The 65-year-old from Headington said: "These are really positive times for the club and there's a definite feeling that things are on the up.

"We have seen great results on the pitch but also a lot of good work has been done in the community and I think the fans do feel close to the club and its players."

Swindon dropped two places to 43rd on the list after Swindon Town finished 15th in League One while Leicester leapt to the top of pile after Leicester City's Premier League win.