Coming just a few short weeks after our national recognition as the FA Charter Standard Club of the Year for 2011, Banbury United now await a potential FA charge following the unacceptable events -involving the match officials - at the end of our last home game versus Slough Town.

Whilst, I appreciate that the behaviour of a few individuals is not indicative of the vast majority of our supporters, nevertheless it remains impossible for me to put into words the embarrassment, disappointment and frustration that I - and my football club colleagues - feel over this matter.

However, what can be stated, bearing in mind the severe challenges that the current economic climate already presents our organisation, is the fact that we now potentially face very serious financial implications - both direct and indirect - from this incident. Certainly if there were to be any repeat of such behaviour, then I would suggest that our long term survival would be in severe doubt:-

1) While we continue to strive to seek the support of the local business community, we have not been able to replace the generous Nicholls sponsorship enjoyed in previous seasons – clearly the recent media coverage would not have helped our cause in this challenge.

2) In the absence of such financial support, then attracting a larger fan base to the Spencer Stadium assumes an even greater importance – do we honestly believe that parents will be bring their families along if they are going to witness such scenes and the associated abusive and bad language?

3) If we cannot attract a larger attendance then further fund raising pressure is applied to our already overworked volunteer staff – again do we honestly believe that we will be able to retain our already very small workforce if all their efforts are completely undermined by various fines that may be imposed by the footballing authorities?

As part of our initial response to the FA on the situation, from Saturday’s game, you will see some changes to our security arrangements and we will also be trialling some designated seating for families within a small section of the main stand.

Your patience in and support of these initiatives would be much appreciated as would be your overall commitment to re-establishing our credibility and standing as an asset to our community.

Thank-you
Paul Jones
Chairman