BANBURY United have announced groundbreaking plans for their supporters to take over the club.

The Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division side’s supporters’ club and national body Supporters Direct have been in talks with the board of directors to transform the Puritans into a Community Benefit Society.

Fans will pay an annual membership fee, with a committee responsible for major decision-making.

Chairman Kim Dumbleton said the change was necessary for United’s future.

“It’s hard work keeping the club afloat and we recognise it’s time for change,” he said.

“We can see great benefit to the club being owned by the fans and we have been impressed by how the supporters’ club has gone about this.

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“We hope that an agreement can be successfully concluded to create a new exciting chapter for this great club.”

Supporters’ club chairman Stephen Barlow added: “We are confident that a change to a supporter-owned community club will be the springboard to rejuvenating Banbury United.

“It is up to us – the club’s greatest asset, the fans – to make the club the way we want it to be.

“We want the club to engage with the community and for supporters and the community to feel engaged with their club and to want to contribute to the success of it.”

Manager Paul Davis shared the enthusiasm.

“I couldn’t imagine anything better,” he said.

“We’re still getting crowds of 300 every week, so imagine what we could do if we have all of those people pulling in the same direction.”

However, Davis’ main priority remains keeping Banbury in the Premier Division, with tomorrow’s trip to fellow strugglers Biggleswade Town a potentially pivotal clash.

“We’ve got nine cup finals and we have to approach them all as must-win games,”

said Davis.

“Every club at the bottom has gone on a little run, except for Burnham. Maybe it’s our turn now.”

Luton Town loanee Kynan Isaac has extended his stay until the end of the season, while Joel Meade returns after a foot injury.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Banbury Utd (v Biggleswade Tn, away): from Bedwell, Walcott, Cray, Abdellah, Meade, Ryan, Green, Martin, Tahin, Murombedzi, George, Howards, Fishwick, Weston, Tappin, Amegnaglo, Browne, Westbrook, Lewars, Daffern, Isaac.