The Club has learned of the death of our beloved volunteer, John Ward, at his home this morning. John or “Wardy” volunteered at Banbury United for many years and will be known to so many as the jolly, larger than life character who ran the Club Shop and prior to that, the tea bar. John was looking forward to becoming our assistant kit man, a role he was due to start at tomorrow’s match. John has been a constant upbeat presence at the stadium, from matchdays to AGMs. We are only just starting to imagine how life at Banbury United will look without him. We are simply devastated.

We understand from John’s family that they would appreciate us passing on this news to his Banbury United family. Our thoughts are with all of John’s family and friends as we digest this sad news together. #WeAreUnited

The Club will pay its respects to John with a minute’s applause before tomorrow’s home league match against Stamford AFC. In true John style, we would like to encourage a very vocal support for our first team tomorrow as we “Be loud for John”. Further information on how we will remember and celebrate John will follow in due course when we’ve had the opportunity to discuss with his family.