Martin Cantrell has confirmed he is resigning from the Board of Directors of Banbury United Community Benefit Society with immediate effect for personal reasons.

Martin was a founder member of the Board and helped us in setting up the Community Benefit Society in 2015. He became involved having read an article about the plans for a supporters’ owned club in the Banbury Guardian having recently moved to the area and having previously been involved in a similar take over for Enfield FC who he had supported since boyhood.

Commenting on the news Chairman Ronnie Johnson said “I would like to thank Martin for his commitment and effort over the past seven years and from the outset of the Community Benefit Society in 2015 whereupon we took on the club at a low ebb and also for his efforts in leading on our relocation after the sad passing of Nigel Porter. Martin has provided a wise counsel for the board on a number of issues and we wish him well and in due course hope to see him back at the Banbury pant Hire Community Stadium.”

On stepping down Martin said “I am pleased to have been part of the team that rejuvenated Banbury United after it became a supporter owned club. Prior to moving to Oxfordshire I had been a founder director at Enfield Town FC - one of the first supporter owned clubs. It worked to pick up the pieces after the demise of Enfield FC. During my time we have made great progress on and off the pitch. We have achieved a presence in the community with links with Cherwell DC, Banbury & Bicester College, Age UK Oxfordshire and ARCh (the children's literacy charity). These links are now developing.

I have for a short while been an elected member of the FSA National Council representing supporter owned clubs. My particular interest was the ethical procurement of football kit. I believe to maintain our progress we must ensure we have a vibrant and active Community Benefit Society which represents all the elements of Banbury United. And the club also needs to play our part as a member of the FSA.

I wish Banbury United every success in the future.”

Martin departs with everyone’s best wishes

Martin's resignation means that there is a vacancy on the Board. We will confirm the election process and timescales at the AGM this Thursday evening, 10 November, 7 pm and following that with all members. Members have been sent the AGM pack but if anyone has not received this please contact Assistant Secretary Susan Duester, BUFC_Members@outlook.com.