The Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Russell Edgar as its new Commercial Manager. In our largely volunteer-run Club, this new part-time paid position illustrates the ambition of the board to develop the business of Banbury United and provide its teams with stronger financial backing.

Russell is Banbury born and bred, is already a firm Banbury United fan and has been supporting the comms team with video editing and graphic design on a voluntary basis from the end of last season. He has a diverse professional background in account management and sales, most recently, supporting charities in commercial real estate.

“This is an exciting time to be joining Banbury United, performing at the highest level to date during our Club's rich history. The task at hand is no small feat, but thanks to the incredible foundation laid by former head of commercial, Mark Allitt, and along with our brilliant volunteer team who do so much for us, I am entering the role of Commercial Manager with a team which has tunnel vision on Banbury United reaching the next level. I look forward to building upon the hard work that has already been poured into our efforts and would like to thank the Board for this opportunity. It's time to get to work!”

Dan Kelly, board director overseeing the commercial operations of Banbury United said: “Over the summer, the board has been on a journey to strengthen off the pitch and become a professional, sustainable business fit to support our men’s, women’s, U18 Development and affiliated junior teams.

“We are ambitious and have been undergoing a programme of installing the right elements to meet the challenges of competing at the highest ever level in the Club’s history. We need to attract more revenue into the Club and are more confident than ever about what we have to offer new and existing partners and customers. The appointment of a new commercial manager is crucial to this programme. In Russell we have found someone who is a very driven and natural salesman, who comes with Banbury United already in his heart. He is not daunted by the job ahead.”

The commercial manager will have responsibility for the commercial development of all income-generating activities at Banbury United FC including football team-associated asset sponsorship, Clubhouse venue hire, match tickets and retail. He will develop and maintain key relationships with the Club’s partners and promote, manage and grow the Club membership, community lottery and other fundraising activities.

Russell will manage a growing volunteer team who will look after account management and administration.

Russell can be contacted via russell@banburyunitedfc.co.uk or 07851 910668.