We send our sincere condolences to his partner Bea. Nigel leaves no close family and we think is fair to say that the football club was his family although Nigel was also very active in the local Lions Club and was a volunteer steward at Bletchley Park too. It has not been possible to write a full obituary and this is an appreciation of his role at the club.

Nigel loved Banbury United and the club loved him. Like any long-term relationship there have been occasional ups and downs but Nigel’s overriding desire has been to help make the club better which he has certainly achieved.

Nigel has of course been involved with the club for a number of years but he really came into his own once the club became community owned. He had championed supporters’ ownership and once the proposal to set up a Community Benefit Society was put to supporters he immediately volunteered to get involved and was on the board from inception.

Nigel took on responsibility for the ground and pitch. He coerced and cajoled others to join the “grounds team” and he fostered a great spirit amongst those who have become involved. A testimony to his work is all around us today. We have an immaculate pitch – as we did for all of last season - and we have a great stadium. No stone is unturned, no grass is uncut, no gate unpainted, no banner mis-hung, no rubbish left unattended in Nigel’s desire to ensure that the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium is a place that we can be proud of - and we are.

On matchdays Nigel would be first to the ground. His distinctive red Alfa Romeo was always in prime position in the car park. After helping to mark the pitch, put drinks in the dressing rooms and carry out other tasks Nigel would host the boardroom, welcoming visiting teams’ officials and the referee and assistants and look after them for the duration of their stay. He wanted to ensure that our guests go away feeling that they had visited a well-run welcoming club – they certainly do.

After the game – the less glamorous side of the role - cleaning the changing rooms so they are ready for a Sunday game. Being a director doesn’t just mean drinking tea in the Boardroom, Nigel epitomised the spirit of the club.

At Board meetings Nigel would champion the needs of the ground and the pitch and the work of his team. Nigel also lightened the mood, he loved a pun - a new electrical company sponsor would be “sparking us into life” a plumbing company’s support would see us “flush with success”.

One of Nigel’s most significant task pre-dates the CBS. He singlehandedly had the foresight and determination to ensure that the club’s need for a new site would be included in Cherwell District Council’s local plan that was adopted in 2015. We will have to work very hard to see his vision for a new ground fulfilled, but without his efforts our future would be bleaker.

News of Nigel’s passing touched many. On social media there have been kind words from current and former players, supporters, other clubs and sponsors amongst the many received. The overwhelming message is of lovely man who we will all miss greatly.
We will provide details of funeral arrangements when known.

And of course we will have to find a suitable way to ensure Nigel is remembered. However to find something commensurate with the work he has done and passion he has shown will be a huge challenge.

Rest in Peace Nigel.