Members will be aware from the calling notice for the AGM on Monday 23rd July 2018 that five places on the Board were available via an election process. In line with Rule 63, one third of the existing Board resigned but were eligible to stand again for re-election.

Stephen Barlow, Sharon Wright and Dave Wyatt from the Board duly resigned. All three were properly nominated for re-election.

In addition Phil Lines, who had been co-opted on to the Board during 2017 and Paul Duester were also properly nominated for election.

By the due deadline, 17.00 hrs, Monday 2nd July 2018, these five nominations were the only five received.

In this situation Reg 8.1 of the club’s Election Policy applies, see below. Accordingly each successfully nominated candidate will be put before the AGM for the approval of members.

8.1 If there are as many or fewer candidates than there are places, an affirmative ballot shall be held at the AGM. Each successfully nominated candidate will be put before the meeting for the approval of members. Any candidate not receiving the support of more than half of those present in person and by proxy shall be deemed to have not been elected. The exception shall be that should the failure to elect any of the validly nominated candidates leave the Board below the minimum required under the Rules for them to act, all validly nominated candidates shall be deemed elected by the EMG and this declared at the AGM.

Candidates had to submit a statement in support of their nomination and these are included below.

Roger Graham
Banbury United Community Football Club Ltd – Election Management Group Chairman

Phil Lines

My football journey started 40 years ago, playing for Banbury United in the early seventies, as young 19 year old, during 2 x spells as a player with the club I made nearly 400 appearances, I was very proud to represent the club I had supported as a boy.

I started managing teams in my mid twenties, the first team I ran was Banbury United youth, in the early eighties I became player coach at Chipping Norton Town , I then went on to manage , Banbury twice , Brackley Town Buckingham Town, and Worcester City,

Prior to re joining BUFC in November last year, I had spent 6 happy seasons at Easington Sports, a super little club. Last October I was asked if I would consider taking on the Chairman’s role at BUFC, after much consideration, I agreed to come on board.

I am very proud to be the chairman, of the club myself and family have a great affinity for, over many years. I think my experience and knowledge of non-league football, will be beneficial to the club to maintain and progress the football side of our club. We have made great strides, since the club launched it's community project. I think we have a very competent group of people overseeing the welfare of the club, with an excellent group of volunteers supporting us.

Paul Duester

I played for Banbury United in the early 1970s and have always kept a keen interest in the Club since then. When the Club became a CBS, I became a member and a regular supporter, which last year culminated in my becoming a season ticket holder. I have also travelled to a number of away games to support the Club, and in particular to those grounds where I played over forty years ago.

I have got to know several of the Board members and volunteers over the last couple of season and become aware of the hard work and commitment they have shown in moving the Club forward. This has encouraged me to become more involved with the Club and I would like to offer my time and services to help in whatever way I can.

I am a retired Chartered Certified Accountant having worked for many years in the Financial Services Sector for a leading bank. I also possess many years’ experience in football administration in Oxfordshire and believe that I have skills and knowledge that can benefit the Club.

Sharon Wright

Family

Married to Vernon, who volunteers at the club, as does my daughter Hannah and son Jamie

Background.

Thirteen years ago I took my son to the first Banbury United youth training session, since then I have been a member of the youth committee, working tirelessly as general secretary, treasurer,.child welfare officer. I have dedicated my time to making the youth section one of the biggest in the country.

I have been part of the bar staff since 2005, taking my publican's licence in 2013, becoming the landlady then and managing the bar and events run at the club. .

Going forward.

I believe a community club is the way forward, the whole club needs to be represented, out in the community, from the first team right down to the U4/5s. I have over the years seen some really talented individuals, and I am looking forward to youth team players becoming regular 1st teamers and going onto bigger and better things. I am pleased we introduced an U18 team to bridge the gap between the U16s and 1st team.

I have worked closely with board members, coaches, players, parents, and have learnt to be a team player. I am highly organised and extremely efficient, I have an understanding of what needs to be done, and how to achieve the improvements required to the long standing success and future of this club.

I have enjoyed being part of the Board and want to continue to help the club grow.

Dave Wyatt

I am a long term supporter of the club and Managing Director of a haulage company that has been trading successfully for 30 years, I have enjoyed putting my business experience to good use in the three years I have been on the Board and have taken the role of treasurer, looking after the finances for the club. I would like to carry on in that role. I want to ensure that the club finances are in good order with expenditure minimised and income maximised and that members can see open and clear accounts for the club.

Stephen Barlow

I was chairman of Banbury United Supporters Club for 2013-2015 and led on the project to transfer ownership of the club to the supporters owned Community Benefit Society. I have been secretary of the Board of the CBS for three years.

I work as the Competitions Manager for England Hockey, the governing body for the sport in England. I managed the hockey competition at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and was the Field of Play Manager for hockey at the Olympic Games in 2012. I am a keen cricketer having played 44 seasons for Bodicote CC where I have been secretary, treasurer, captain and chairman and also played hockey for Banbury.

I am Banbury born and bred although I currently live in Brackley! I followed Banbury United when at school and have done so again for the last ten seasons.

I am enjoying using the experience I have gained in sports management to help Banbury United develop and grow. I believe my strengths are a good attention to detail, developing relationships and project planning. These are the building blocks that go towards building a stronger, better club.

I am passionate about helping make the club sustainable and one that the supporters and the town as a whole are proud of.