On Thursday 21st October 1971, Banbury United Chairman Albert Stevens received a letter of resignation from manager Johnny Crichton. He had been appointed manager in May 1969. Playing for Banbury Spencer as a wing half in season 1958/59, he had prior to his appointment at the Spencer Stadium been managing Oxford City.

Crichton had some unfortunate scathing comments about the club upon his resignation though, “I knew the financial position of the club before joining and went in with my eyes open. I was only able to sign a certain standard of player and amateurs but certain people in the boardroom were not prepared to wait and allow these players to be brought on. They have moaned behind my back and I was not even allowed to attend Tuesday’s vital board meeting. They asked me to stay away because it might embarrass certain directors. This was not right. I had many things to raise and should have been there. I am certain there has been a leak in the boardroom ever since I have been with the club. Loud-mouthed spectators behind the goal have been shouting out details of mine and players’ wages and these sort of things I do not even discuss with my wife. This is an intolerable and disgusting situation.”

Stevens confirmed that, “Banbury United have accepted the resignation of Mr Crichton and it is effective forthwith. Until further notice trainer Brian Stone will be in charge of playing staff and will be responsible to the Board.”

Brian Stone’s first game in charge saw an 8-1 home Southern League win over Bletchley Town on Saturday 23rd October, Alan Willey scoring five of the goals, followed three days later by a 4-1 win over Oxford City in the Premier Midweek Floodlit League.

Here is a photo of caretaker manager Brian Stone speaking to some of United’s players prior to the game against Oxford City.

Back Row: Tony Bradbury, Mick Sherrell, Des Anderson.

Front Row: Ian Richardson, Alan Pollard, Ken Bell, Brian Stone, Bob Haynes, Alan Willey.

Over the coming weeks the United board were satisfied with the progress Stone was making and appointed him permanent manager at the end of November. He would remain United’s manager for eight years, until resigning in October 1979, stating that “I am packing it in. I just don’t enjoy it any longer. Although we have lost in several cup matches, Banbury United are top of the league and I feel it is the right time to go. We have a super squad of players and I don’t think I can any longer give them what they need in the way of motivation.”

In his eight years in charge, though Stone had not been able to achieve promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern League, there had been several highlights, most notably when United were drawn against Northampton Town in the FA Cup, holding the Football League side to a draw at the Spencer Stadium in front of a crowd of 4,800 before going out narrowly 3-2 in the replay at the County Ground. He also brought together the legendary club striking partnership of Tony Jacques and Tony Foster.

Brian Stone holds aloft the Shaw & Kilburn Floodlit League and Oxfordshire Professional Cups won at the end of season 1977/78.