92 years of history, 1 local football team from the Oxfordshire Senior League through to the National League North. There have been many puritans who have represented us throughout the years, some fans adore and some we truely just forgot about. We all love a player for many reasons such as there passion, there hard in the tackle playing style, there industrious work rate, there knack of scoring goals or just that player you have that connection with as it may be your friends mums daughters son who is the postman of your local hero. For this blog we teamed up with the Townend Reds to find out the fans 1-11 of favourite players they’ve enjoyed watching the most on the terraces at the Spencer stadium.
Spencer reds favourite XI 442
Gk- Jack Harding - local lad, magic man, and such a nice bloke. A banbury legend.
Rb- Connor Roberts - absolute hero, steps up every single time, some of his blocks are incredible and all round top bloke.
Cb - Andy Gunn - came to our club got us back promoted with some stellar performances at cb and lovely playoff final goal vs Taunton.
Cb - Kelvin Langmead - His dedication to the game is just so good to see. Gave us so many big moments to celebrate as Banbury fan, and such a likeable guy. Those two goals against Leiston at home will live rent free in my head for the rest of my life.
Lb - Ollie Standbridge - not a left back, but a club legend and had to fit him in and could play anywhere,ollliee ollieee ollieeeee….
Rm - Jordan Green - I felt so sorry for him in his season here, some of his individual performances were fantastic and his banger vs frome at home was delightful. Sometimes wonder what he would be like in this whingy side.
Cm - Jack Westbrook - could play anywhere, and the amount of games he played for us, just remarkable, a great servant to the club.
Cm - Jack Stevens not a cm but he can be in my cam, such a nice bloke and loves to interact with the fans and unbelievable talent alongside it. My favourite current player. Decent to play heads and volley’s with him at Blyth at half time.
Lm - Lewis Travers - went to games with his brother, use to think that was well cool as a 7 year old.
St - Nicky Gordon - My first striker love, absolute different gravy, my first true memories of Banbury United fully is him scoring goals.
St - Andy Baird - , as the chant says he gets the ball he scores a goal Andy Andy Baird. His chant has always stuck in my head since a young child and still sometimes randomly chant it now.
Subs
Simon tricker, Jak Hickman, Alex Babos, David Stone, Morgan Roberts.
@Gwp84 Favourite XI 442
Harding - Jack’s the only keeper I’ve really known. Everyone has complete confidence in him don’t they? Everyone has different opinions on players, I’ve never heard a negative one about Jack.
Westbrook - Just another solid player. Knew what you’d get from him, versatile player too.
Carnell - Solid centre half, wasn’t great on the ball but I thought he was really good for us.
Williams - pushes out Andy Gunn. I don’t understand how Jay is at this level. For me it’s between him and Jack Stevens for Whingy’s best signing.
C Roberts - struggled with left back. As you can tell I had a few years away. Until Fordey took over. So it was between Marvin Martin, Tom someone who went to play professionally in Scotland. Got a feeling he’s at Cheltenham now. Anyway Connor is too good to leave out.
Kaziboni - The football wasn’t always great under Mike. He seemed to change from short to direct , season to season. I thought Greg was fantastic in his season here.
Nash - I’ve said it about a few players, reliable , you knew what you’d get. Kept the midfield ticking, wasn’t flash, did the job and did it well.
Rasulo -What can you say? Banbury’s best player of the modern era?
M Roberts - Amazing Player.
Sylla - I don’t know what you say about Sylla other than goals.
Wreh - Slightly odd thing to say about a 20 goal striker. I do wonder how many he could have had last year, if ( in my opinion) his finishing didn’t let him down at times.
@Meadows_Liam Favourite Favourite XI 433
GK Jack Harding - The Magic man.
Rb Connor Roberts - Passion. Shithousery and a great Talent always puts his body on the line for the Badge.
Cb Charlie Wise - Proper Banbury lad. Showed unbelievable passion everytime he wore the shirt Hell of a player too.
Cb Luke Carnell - The lord and saviour himself Corners almost felt like penalties at one point with him in the box!
Lb Andy Gunn - Obviously not a left back but couldn’t possibly miss out, outstanding for Banbury
Cm Jack Westbrook - Very Versatile player and a brilliant servant to the club (he also put the ball in the Stratford net)
Cm Carl Tappin - One of my Favourite players of all time at Banbury. Incredibly good on the ball and played purely for the love of the game, will never forget his overhead kick vs Bridgewater away one of my favourite goals of all time
Cm Jack Finch - The Banbury Pirlo a true cult legend at Banbury and a brilliant player.
Lw Leam Howards - Local lad Who gave everything and almost kept us up with his goals. Don’t think Paul Davies ever did give him that car for his 20 goals 😂
St Chris Wreh - I know All my friends knew this would be my pick. Strong,Agile and fast with the ability to finish from absurd positions and play teammates in with Amazing vision. Can see him playing league football within a couple seasons
Rw Morgan Roberts - One of the best players I’ve seen play for Banbury and scored so many memorable goals. Will never forget that Last minute strike at hednesford
Subs: Ricky Johnson, Gio Rasulo, Marcus Green, Henry Landers , Jack Stevens
@Fromthetownend7 Favourite XI 442
This has taken me fucking ages! But is the best team of the last 25 years... I think..
Here we go...
GK Jack Harding
RB Wayne Blossom
CB Andy Baird
CB Andy Wallbridge
LB Sam Brown
RM Morgan Roberts
CM Paul Tait
CM Gio Rasulo
LM Jon Gardner
CF Norman Sylla
CF Matty Gooderick
Subs
Simon Tricker, Jon Corbett, Jack Stevens, Jay Williams, George Redknapp
@Tommy_Upstone Favourite XI 442 Diamond
GK- Jack Harding- The fact there is such little competition is testament to just how good he is. To bounce back injury, after injury shows he is so important. The modern day Mr Banbury United RB- Connor Roberts- it's a task not to just name an 11 of all the current squad tbh, Roberts has to feature not only for his superb ability but also his apparent love for the club and fans RCB- Andy Gunn- Promotion winning skipper, body on the line defending, and an eye for goal. Despite looking nothing like a footballer he was class. LCB- Luke Carnell- in the same ilk as Gunn but probably a better technical footballer, I think his footballing ability got over looked due to the fact he had the turning circle of a 747 and zero pace. But another great defender that loved the club
LB- 'Marvelous' Marvin Martin- Mr inconsistent, on his day unplayable. But even when he had a howler he looked so cool doing it. Possibly the most stylishly bad footballer I've ever seen RM- Ollie Stanbridge- True workhorse, covered every blade of grass even in his mind 30's. And still comes to watch games
CDM- Jack Westbrook- Hard as nails, and the fittest man in non league and youd never catch him shirking a tackle. His goal from the halfway line against Hayes and Yeading will live long in the memory CAM- Giorgio Rasulo- IMHO hands down the greatest player to ever put on the red shirt, we'll look back on him in years to come in the same bracket as McKay and Jacques. Banbury United legends LM- Mark Bell- only seemed to turn when he could be bothered, but when he did turn up, what a player he was. Unbelievable feet on the man RS- Ricky Johnson- I don't think there would be many people of my generation that wouldn't include RJ9 tbh. Really played with his heart on his sleeve and fought for every ball, scored some fantastic goals in the promotion season and then did what was right for the team in the following years dropping back into defence, where he also did a phenomenal job. LS- Matty Gooderick- What a footballer, my favourite player growing up and the first name I really remember from teamsheets when I was a kid. He was in the Cherwell before the Tamworth game last season and it makes him even more legendary that he was more than happy to get a photo with me. Never been so starstruck.
@KevinTust Favourite XI Favourite XI 442
GK - Jack Harding, just the best we’ve had. Solid!
RB - Ady Fuller, you knew what you were going to get and took a great penalty.
Cb - Jason Allen, old school towering defender.
Cb - Charlie Wise, pure passion!!
Lb - Jody McKay, I know not a left back but I had to put him in!! The legend of the club!
Rm - Ollie Stanbridge, so skilful and quick up the right side, was so important to that team.
Cm - Paul Lamb, absolute monster in the middle of the park.
Cm - George Redknap, 100% every week, mr reliable, not technically the best but you knew he was all in.
LM - Jon Gardner, I loved it when he played, so quick and skilful(a bit greedy) but scored some great goals! Special mention for Darius Browne and his step overs.
St. Norman Sylla, had to be, the guy was pure entertainment and an absolute goal machine.
St - Andy Baird, everything about him, from drawing fouls, killing keepers, scoring goals he was one of the best we’ve had.
I appreciate most of these are from the same era but that’s the era I’m probably most fond of.
@Peteaor Favourite XI
heres my team ive tried to stay away from the current era as they are all so good.
1. Jack Harding simply the best goalkeeper Banbury have ever had
2. Wayne Blossom - He started the original fight club, so hard Vinnie Jones was scared of him.
3. Callum White - fantastic rampaging fullback during the Ford era
4. Luke Carnell - a cult hero who always gave 100% and scored goals from defence
5. Andy Gunn - captain in the promotion winning team and a goal in the play off final
6. Paul Lamb - Mr hard bastard a tough tackling midfielder and a better footballer then we probably remember.
7. Ollie Stanbridge - Mr Banbury seem to never run out of energy
8. Zac McEachran - the first proper baller a new generation of player with silky skills and defence splitting passes
9. Ricky Johnson - A proper legend what else can you say
10. Nicky Gordon – a fast striker who scored for fun before going to the USA
11. Andy Baird - a tough ex league player equally comfortable upfront or in defence.
@Connorwetherall1999 Favourite XI 433
GK: Jack Harding - A mainstay of the club, with us for 2 promotions 6 years apart, Banbury lad through and through, not to mention he’s had some unreal games for us through the years. Oh and he turned down Brackley instantly.
RB: Connor Roberts. Puts in a shift every single week, very likeable player
CB: Charlie Wise One word, Passion.
CB: Luke Carnell - Similar to Wisey, lots of passion, consistent for us when he was here and also has a great chant.
LB: Sam Brown - One of the most dependable players I’ve ever seen, 7/10 or above every week, gives his all and has been such a big part of our rise the past couple of seasons.
CM: Jack Finch - Wasn’t his biggest fan during his first spell but when he came back and started putting in performances often featuring some big tackles he grew on me and became one of my favourites, shame it ended the way it did.
CM: George Nash - Similar to Sam Brown, dependable, 7/10 or above week in week out, as his song says, he’s here, he’s there he’s everywhere.
CAM: Jack Stevens - Been unbelievable since joining, unreal talent, too good for this level and seems to get better, also always shows his appreciation to the fans, would help if he didn’t keep changing his number so we have to change the chant😂
LW: Mark Bell - Brilliant for us in the playoff winning season, and that winner against Leamington was unreal.
ST: Ricky Johnson - The first player I remember from the few games I watched in around 2011, Banbury lad, scored lots of goals in the playoff winning season, massive shithouse at times and the gesture he made to Peterborough fans after we beat them on pens in the FA Cup 3Q Round was hilarious and lives in my memory.
RW: Tom Winters - The Banbury Robben, loved watching him play and was brilliant for us, if only he’d joined us earlier in his career.
@JamesHastie85 Favourite XI
Gk: Simon Tricker
Rb: Adi Fuller
Cb: Ian Bowyer
Cb: Andy Baird
Lb Phil Houghton
Rm: Paul Warrington
Cm: Martin Singleton
Cm: Les Phillips
Lm: Jody McKay
St: Matty Gooderick
St: Wayne Mcdowell
@Lewisaston777 Favourite XI 343
"SOMEBODY GIVE ME A B...."
GK: Jack Harding
Cb: Ben Radcliffe
Cb: Connor Roberts
CB:Charlie Wise
Cm Jack Westbrook
Cm Gio Rasulo
Cm: Alex Babos
Cam: Jack Stevens
Rw: Ravi Shamsi
St: Ricky Johnson
Lw: Morgan Roberts
@JustinTustain Favourite XI
Gk- Jack Harding - what can you say..
Rb- Conor Roberts - so consistent since joining and gives it all every game.
Cb-Jason Allen - Proper old school defender, one of my favourite BU memories was running down the the sutton end steps (new supports will struggle to believe this) to jump on top of him after he scored in play off.
Cb-Ian Bowyer- The first player I really loved in a banbury shirt, the excitement when he came up for a corner was REAL!
Lb-Ady Fuller- (Out of position) just class every game and his passion was on another level, another great memory was him scoring a cracker (no idea who against) and jumping ontop of townend pitch surround and kissing the badge.
Lw- Ollie Stanbridge - such a tricky little player and always a threat, great servant of the club.
Cm- Jon Corbett- Captain of the hellenic winning side, just solid and a fantastic leader.
Cm- Gio Rasulo - Personally my all time favourite player, how we still have him is a miracle!!
Rw- Mike Preedy - Was so tricky down the wing was a joy to watch, I also tried to be him in the playground whilst everyone else wanted to be Beckham the step over king!
St- Norman Sylla- Simply Brilliant. The goals I saw him score I don't think we'll see the like of again, loved a lob.
St- Matty Gooderick- Another player I always thought I was in the playground! Was so good for that era of BUFC, was my all time favourite until Gio came along.
Honorable mentions to basically all of last/this years squad, we're playing such good football at the minute it's like living in a different BUFC universe. Also special mentions for Bloss, George Rednapp and randomly Stuart Bridges, was so good but so lazy.
@KevinHealy - Favourite connection paragraph
Hard time put my best team together as it’s only over a short amount of time ( nearly 5 yrs ) but I’d have to say many of the current lads would be in my all time favs. Josh smile Gio Rasulo Jack Harding Jack Stevens Jak Hickman Alex Babos , Langmead ( last season ) and of course Morgan.. over the last few years though one player sticks out for me because he has a die hard character and rarely puts in a bad performance he just never gives in and always gives his all.. he loves the crowd and has passion for our club and that’s Connor Roberts i love his attitude .. he’s what epitomises the type of player you want wearing the badge.. Couple of other players I’ve enjoyed watching over the years have been Amer Awadh, and Ricky Johnson.. both have made contributions and on their day terrorised defences. Amer was just slightly unlucky not to be in the 2021 to 2022 squad, and as for Ricky a fit Ricky Johnson might still be playing for us now.. his injuries have made things tough but no questions he was a threat when fit. Hope that gives a little insight .. can’t say too much doing contracts for the lads or they’ll think I’m playing favourites.
@Ch4zF1 Favourite XI
Gaffer - Andy Whing. I think this one speaks for itself
GK - Jack Harding. Where would we be without him. Stayed loyal to the club and is a hero
LCB - Jay Williams. Always willing to fight for the club
CB - Kelvin Langmead. Don't know why but I just have loved the way he plays since he's joined
RCB - Connor Roberts. Had some big moments for us and is very reliable
LM - Morgan Roberts. One of the most promising players we've seen in a while and was there for us in crucial moments.
LCM - Giorgio Rasulo. The skipper. Always reliable
RCM - Jack Finch. Jokes aside he's such a legendary name from our league winning season, Banbury Pirlo
RM - Amer Awadh. Personally never saw much of him but impressive based on what I saw AM - Ravi Shamsi. Produced some spectacular moments and was a quality player
ST - Chris Wreh. Gunman. Didn't play for us for a huge amount of time but how could you not love him with what he did for us.
ST - Ricky Johnson. Played a couple of stints for us and from what I remember was always reliable in front of goal.
@Popey1983 Favourite XI
"Mine will be random but here it is. I obviously dont think this is necessarily the most talented (as our current side is close to the best we have ever had - defo the best I have ever seen!). But, Ill throw this into the mix........"
Gk: Marcus Townsend
Rb: Connor Roberts
Cb: Ian Bowyer
Cb: Kelvin Langmead
Lb: Sam Brown
Cm: Alex Babos
Cm: Gio Rasulo
CAM: Morgan Roberts
Rw: Norman Sylla
St: Steve Jenkins
Lw: Jody McKay
@LozzaOffical Favourite XI
Gk: Jack Harding
Rb: Connor Roberts
Cb: Wayne blossom
Cb: Jay Williams
Lb: Marvin Martin
Cm: Jack Stevens
Cm: Ollie Stanbridge
Cm: Matty Travers
Rw: Norman Sylla
St:Nicky Gordon
Lw: Felipe Barcelos
@PeterTustain Favourite XI
1. Stuart Rennie
2. Pete Svenson
3. Kenny Butler
4. Ian Bowyer
5. Bob Haynes
6. Donnie Gethfield
7. Chris Wreh
8. Tony Foster
9. Tony Jacques
10. Kevin Wilson
11. Mark Charnley
One or two a bit out of position, but too good to be left out. Captain would be the brilliant Ian Bowyer, what a player. Quite a few are old school, but great players nevertheless. Mark Charnley will surprise a few, but he could cross a ball with perfect precision. Difficult leaving out McKay, McDowell, Sylla, all great BUFC legends.
@IanUpstone
Gk: Keith Baker
Rb: Adi Fuller
Cb: Rambo
Cb: Carnell
Lb: C Cousins
Rm: G Redknap,
Cm: Gio,
Cm: D Woodland,
Lm; J Gardner
St:Goodrick
St: Sylla
@SamsBUFC
Gk: Jack Harding
Rb: Connor Roberts
Cb: Charlie Wise
CB: Ben Radcliffe
Lb: Sam Brown
Cdm: Josh Smile
Cm: Gio Rasulo
Cm: Alex Babos
Lw: Ben Acquaye
St: Jack Stevens
Rw: Morgan Roberts
Please checkout Sams Youtube content who Vlogs our games Home and Away. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC45LXSaREH9cNI1vgjoNMdA
@oreo_Phillips Favourite XI
Gk: Harding
Lb: C.Roberts
Cb:Williams
Cb:Baird
Rb:Fuller
Cm: Stevens
Cm: Smile
Cm: Westbrook
Rw: Sylla
St: Stone
Lw:Roberts
@David_Liam9 Favourite XI
GK - Jack Harding
LB - Connor Roberts
CB - Charlie Wise
CB - Jack Westbrook
RB - Andy Gunn
CM - Gio Rasulo
CDM - Jack Finch
CM - Jack Self
LW - Ben Acquaye
ST - Ricky Johnson
RW - Leam Howards
Subs: Chris Wreh, Jacob Walcott, Felipe Barcelos, Luke Carnell,
Kept switching between Carnell and Gunn honestly
@TownendReds Favourite XI
"right. balls to it this will have to do because im driving myself mad here. I wanted to pick players from before Whingy arrived otherwise i'm basically picking the whole of last years team "
Gk: Simon Tricker
Rb: Ady fuller
Cb: Andy baird
CB: andy wallbridge
Lb: Tommy Kinch
CM: Jon Corbett
CM: George Redknapp
CM: paul lamb
Rw: Mike Preedy
St:Matty Gooderick
Lw: Jody McKay
Subs Ian Bowyer, Norman Sylla, Wayne McDowell, Ollie Stanbridge, John Gardner, Alan Judge.
Most selected Players in Each Position.
Gk: Jack Harding
Rb: Ady Fuller
Cb: Luke Carnell
Cb: Charlie Wise
Lb: Connor Roberts
Rm: Morgan Roberts
Cm: Gio Rasulo
Cm: jack Westbrook (Utility man, He is everywhere in everyones teams)
Lm: Jack Stevens
St: Norman Sylla
St: Andy Baird
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed writing this blog, I loved the engagement with the fans reading all your teams and I hope the feeling is reciprocated. The current team have got so much appreciation from our fan base with 5 of them being included in the most selected squad (I've included Morgan as a current player as he has played this season). However, there are a great range of players being included especially in @TownendReds and @Peteaor team who have seen us and followed us in multiple different era's. This blog has included over 50 different players in 21 different teams. This highlights that football fans have different opinions on players positively or negatively, Yet Jack Harding is an anomaly in this as @GWP84 alluded too and sums the Banbury legend up perfectly in a fitting way to end the blog.
"Everyone has different opinions on players, I’ve never heard a negative one about Jack"
Congratulations to Jack Harding who is the most Selected player who has been included in 15 out of 21 squads - He wears a magic hat.
Slideshow of Banbury United pictures.
Thank you for all your contributions and continued support. Up the Puritans❤️💛
Spencer Reds
🔴🟡
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