The 2005-06 campaign delivered a devastating end to an era for Oxford United as The U's finished a crushing 23rd in League Two, resulting in administrative relegation from the Football League for the first time in their history. The turbulent season, marked by three different managers and the return of club legend Jim Smith in a desperate, late attempt to save the club, saw The U's unable to find consistency despite the crucial goal contributions of forward Steve Basham. This year marked a painful, defining chapter for the club, as Oxford became the first major trophy winner to be relegated from the Football League, ushering in four long seasons in the non-league tier.