Banbury United owner Jed McCrory has reassured the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division club’s fans that he will not leave them in the lurch.

McCrory is part of a consortium taking over npower League One club Swindon Town, subject to Football League approval.

He would need special dispensation from the Football League to hold board positions at both clubs until the end of the season.

But then he would have to relinquish control of Banbury or Swindon. McCrory told a private meeting of the supporters’ club at Spencer Stadium last night that he always had the Puritans at heart.

While he refused to go on record about the meeting or even to have his picture taken, he did release a carefully-worded statement.

“Banbury is a club close to my heart, as I have always said,” read the statement.

“It’s a grassroots club that needs supporting. Grassroots football is dying due to a lack of support from sponsors, football funding and a lack of urgency from the Football Foundation.

“I want to to continue my work with Banbury United. I am not a director of the club, as has been reported, but I do care about the platform it provides to children in Oxfordshire to play the game.

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported me during this media feeding frenzy.

“Having said that, it’s been great for Banbury United to have some much-needed publicity.

“I am able to confirm that I am part of a consortium to take Swindon Town through a difficult period.

“Swindon will have a fighting chance with a consortium that boasts a wealth of experience.”

He added: “I will not be leaving Banbury in the lurch whatever happens.”