With our relegation all but confirmed from the National League North, the Puritans will return to the Southern League (Step 3) for the first time in two years. Step 3 of the non-league pyramid is no stranger to the club as Banbury have endured 15 out of our last 16 seasons there prior to our promotion in 2022, causing the fans to be under no illusions at the challenge at hand. Unlike getting relegated from the Premier League where clubs receive parachute payments to help keep hold of their prized assets and keep the club financially sound, getting relegated in non-league can present a tougher ask. This is due to the challenges presented to the relegated clubs such as dwindling attendances because of their league status, players moving on due to location or they earned a move to a higher status club or sponsors not investing as much mounting to financial pressures alongside having to rebuild the playing squad.
The next phase off the rebuild is vital to get right as the consequences of it going wrong can be catastrophic. This has been seen in other case studies: North Ferriby went bust just one season after their relegation from the National League North in conjunction with Worcester City who have dropped down into the Hellenic division despite only playing in the NLN in the 2016-17 season due to financial constraints. A similar and more realistic case study Banbury should be aware off involves Lowestoft Town. The team from Suffolk earned promotion to the NLN in 2014 and finished in a similar position to Banbury as Lowestoft finished 3 places above the drop with a 6-point cushion. However, in their next season they were relegated from step 2 creating a catastrophic effect on the club. Following relegation, the Trawler boys plummeted to midtable at step 3 and after plateauing as a mid-table side saw relegation from step 3 just 5 years after the heights of step 2. Not only did the success on the pitch diminish away but also did the crowds thus effecting their culture of the club and playing budget. During their time in the NLN the Suffolk side boasted an average of 660 through the gate and this had deteriorated to crowds of 370 in their relegation season from step 3. Lastly, an even more recent example which involved a club Banbury met in their first season in the NLN, Bradford Park Avenue. The Yorkshire side are set for back to back relegations thus highlighting the importance of a solid rebuild is needed otherwise the consequences are clear to see.
To ensure Banbury United don’t follow suit with the above clubs it is important to get the foundations on and off the pitch strong to give us a successful chance of challenging towards the top of the table again. Kevin Wilson looks set to leave at the end of the season after his homecoming was not as anyone anticipated in the romance of it all so this will mean a new manager putting his own stamp on the squad. As fans we all love transfer speculation and signing players and Banbury have enjoyed signing over 40 of them this season, so during my time off I have researched, analysed, and compiled a list of 5 players in each position I think Banbury should look to sign to affirm our chances of making the future successful by aiming to get back to the regional National League.
Before I start, I am no Joe Taylor (Banbury United Chief scout under Andy Whing), I am just a man who has watched clips, reviewed stats and read articles of approvals of these players. I also don’t know the players wages or anything to do with budgets, so these attempts could be well off the mark, however, I have tried to keep them as realistic as possible with regards to the level they are currently playing at or a connection with the club in some way. So lets begin…
Managers
To get the rebuild started you need a manager so here are my 5 options in no order.
Craig Mckay – Unattached
Craig Mckay has already become a manager so many Puritans want to return next season due to his heroic two game tutelage this season. Mckay took over on an interim basis and earned back to back wins in a period of instability for the club as his tactical knowledge, his connection with the players and fans plus his will to progress in the game made fans yearn for him to be at the football club for a long time. However, Mckay left after disagreements with Kevin Wilson over the outgoings of certain players causing this potential managerial target not as straight forward. If we do get Mckay it may mean we will not need a complete rebuild as he can have the pulling power of keeping some our prize asset such as Fleming, Hewitt, Tompkins, and Ken Charles but are the bridges between the club hierarchy and himself already burned? Or would he even want to come back?
Aidan Hawtin – Northampton Town Academy
Aidan Hawtin is a name Banbury fans have seen play for the club as well be the clubs fitness coach in the Whingy era showcasing that he has already gained valuable coaching experiences from Banbury's greatest ever manager. Yet still only 28-years-old Aidan aims to become a manager as he has already got his UEFA B license and is currently undergoing his UEFA A. He has further gained experience this season in the dugout by being Kidlington’s assistant manager at the onset of the season. He has since left that role to become a full-Time academy coach at Northampton Town. Fans may question his age, but Chester showed faith in 27-year-old Callum McIntyre which has proved to pay off and Aidan has all the credentials, work ethic and knowledge to perform a similar feat. It would be a bold approach by the club to appoint 28-year-old Hawtin but is the connection from the Whingy era, a young hungry manager who gets the fan base what this clubs needs?
Adam Stevens – Unattached
Perhaps one of the most saftest options on the list but also a very exciting option is the Unattached Adam Stevens most recently at Coalville Town. Since taking over in his second spell in 2018 Adam Stevens provided a one of the most successful reigns in the club history, taking them to the FA cup 1st round last season only to be defeated by league 1 Charlton Athletic, alongside being consistently one of the best sides in Step 3 in recent times. He steered the Ravens into a playoff contending side, which saw him not finish lower than 8th at the end of any of his 5 season in charge, finishing 2nd and 3rd in the two most recent seasons. This is a manager who knows what this level is all about and could even attract high quality players to the club such as Tim Berridge or Luke Shaw from the Ravens. He got sacked in February being a victim of his own success with the club and has not managed since. A strong candidate who is now desperate to get over the line to secure a promotion may seem a strong fit for both parties?
Pablo Haysham – Oxford United U18s
Pablo Haysham is again a former Banbury player and has had an illustrious career in non-league winning the FA Vase with Hereford. Since retiring, Pablo has gone into coaching and is now the Oxford united u18s manager. Haysham has shared success stories of overseeing young talent into the first team as he has overseen u18s youngsters Gatlin O’Donker and Tyler Gooderham make first team appearances. He has been at the Yellows for over ten years coaching the younger age groups and also been the a youth developing phase lead. Furthermore, Pablo was at the forefront of Oxford united u18s most successful FA youth cup run. This saw a 3-0 victory over Leeds United to steer them into the quarter finals to face Manchester City. With his success in the youth team, Banbury could look to offer Haysham his first senior managerial role in which could be beneficial in creating an exciting young team where Banbury could occupy a model of progressing players to sell on for a fee similar to what we experienced with Morgan Roberts and Jack Stevens.
Mike Ford
The last Managerial choice is more like a fuck it, let’s go ultra-safe. Mike Ford's reign at the club was impressive and is probably tainted more due to Andy Whings positive effect on the club immediately after. However, Fordy put Banbury in playoff contention in his last season with BUFC as well as brought stability to the club in its infancy of fan ownership. Yes his football wasn’t always as fancy and we resorted back too deep to protect our lead too much but he created a platform for us to build on and this might be an important factor considering the Case studies mentioned in the opening of this blog.
Defenders
In the hope of keeping and building around the newly appoint captain Tai Fleming beside Charlie Wise, here are some defensive options in which could strengthen our defence.
Richard McIntyre – Oxford United U18s
Oxford United and Banbury United have formed a trusty connection as the red and gold army offer a place for Oxford’s top youngsters gain valuable first team minutes on loan. In recent seasons this link has grown stronger and has proved to be a real fruitful one for Banbury with the signings of James Golding and Aidan Elliott-Wheeler attracting the attention of the puritan faithful and adding talent to our squad. It is important to carry on this link and one of Oxford’s talents presently is 17-year-old full back Richard McIntyre who is currently on loan to step 3 promotion chasing Salisbury. Since arriving in January, Richard has made 12 appearances at the time of writing and has been dubbed by the step 3 side as “A technically gifted footballer who has shown composure beyond his years in his time for the club, he is an exciting young prospect with a big future in the game and has already proven himself more than ready for senior football.” Could this be another positive loan signing Banbury could look to make next season?
Paul McCone– Stratford Town
Paul has been an ever present in the Stratford Town's defence starting all 40 games since his arrival at the start of the season. McCone has marshalled the defence which has improved considerably, the Bards conceded 70 goals last season in contrast to their 52 goals this season. Alongside this, the Centre half is prevalent in both boxes and has scored 5 goals showing that he can also be an attacking threat. This has been a key feature for banbury of not scoring enough goals across the pitch so to have centre half to chip in with goals at times can help grind out results. The 32-year-old who has made over 350 appearances for Stourbridge and Halesowen, is still going strong at Stratford Town. With a wealth of experience under his belt this is exactly what is needed in a youthful backline to stop us conceding cheap goals. Paul McCone experience could be priceless on and off the pitch as he could nurture the younger players around him like Tai Fleming and Jack Davies on and off the pitch. Taking Stratford’s Captain and pissing off Jed McCrory, what’s not to love about trying to pull this signing off?
Jordan Cranston – Redditch on loan from Hereford
A National League North winner last season with AFC Fylde, Jordan Cranston signed a one-year deal at Hereford for the 23/24 season. Upon signing for Hereford, Paul Caddis shared his delight on signing the left back “Jordan played a part in securing the National League North title with Fylde last year, so he doesn’t just possess quality, he also has a winning mentality. Naturally a left sided full back, he can comfortably play at centre half and across the midfield as well. He has a brilliant left foot with enormous quality and always looks to play forward.” Despite the high accolade comments from his new gaffer, Jordan was loaned out to Redditch till the end of the season. A league winner with Fylde just one year ago plus 128 football league appearance to now playing step 3 shows the coup Redditch have got on their hands. With Banbury not having a contracted left back on the books currently in tandem with having a very youthful defence, this option could prove to be a shrewd bit of business as he can cover multiple positions and his experience could aid a young group in what will prove to be a demanding season back at step 3. Could we tempt a National League North winner to come here?
Connor Roberts – Chesham United
Connor has made over 100 appearances over two stints for Banbury United which has seen him play anywhere in the back line showcasing his versatility. His warrior like defending and his unweavering passion whilst wearing the Armband on multiple occasions created Connor to be a real fans favourite. Roberts left Banbury last season as a club legend who was at the heart of the centurion championship winning side at step 3 and then went on to help us earn our highest ever league finish in the NLN. Robert’s rationale of leaving was because of the relocation of his job would not be able to fulfil the travelling demands the National North presents itself. Connor moved to Chesham United where he knew he had a great shot of winning promotion. Roberts was right and Chesham United won the Southern League south with 4 games to spare. This season saw the defender make 17 appearances for the Generals and scoring 4 goals. Quoting on his twitter “ Not quite the contribution I thought it would be at the start of the season. But here we are…. another promotion and all with a top top set of lads! ❤️” This tweet was jumped on by numerous of Banbury fans and ex-players proving what a popular figure he was at the club. One of which where he tweeted about a potential return “Maybe one day soon”. Not only will his experience on the pitch be invaluable but the connection Connor made with the fans would instantly spark positivity for next season. With our travelling soon to become much shorter could a Robert return be on the cards?
Finn Howell – Solihull Moors
A product of Solihull’s Elite Academy, Finn has been involved with the first team under both Neal Ardley and Andy Whing. The fullback has good defensive ability and has the ability to put in a good cross, he scored his first goal for Solihull Moors against Nantwich Town in the FA Trophy match, which they won 5-1. However, Finn has had two loan spells at step 3 this season, he started at Redditch where he enjoyed a successful loan spell before his brief stint at Bromsgrove before his recall. With Solihull’s success in the leagues and cups this could limit the teenagers progression and there could be no better place to secure a full season of men’s football than Banbury United. Armband current boss Andy Whing knows all about the Puritans and how step 3 can be a steep learning curve for any youngster and Banbury could be the club to allow him minutes to flourish. Furthermore, I selected Finn as I would like to see a successful connection built with Solihull Moors and Andy Whing to utilise any fringe players they have available and this could be the perfect start. 'Howell' do you like the sound of that?
Midfielders
This season has saw a lack of creativity from our midfielders which has hindered our efficiency in building up meaningful attacks. This has caused Banbury to be the 2nd lowest scorers in the division with only 36 goals so it is pivotal we recruit players who can chip in with goals all over the pitch. With Maja attracting interest all over non league Twitter pages & Christie Ward only being on loan and D’ath gone already it looks set for a complete overhaul in the middle of the park for Banbury. I have analysed 5 different midfielders of different playing styles who could be potential suitors to come in for next season.
Brady Hickey – Barwell FC
This signing would be a real statement of intent if Banbury secured the services of 27-year-old Barwell captain Brady Hickey. The central midfielder has been with the club for 9 years so this one could seem unrealistic. Yet Barwell have not challenged the playoffs in recent seasons and with Brady coming into his prime years, the midfielder could be tempted at a move to a club who have just had the taste of National league football. The former Leicester City Academy player has featured over 220 appearances for the canneries scoring 94 times. This is a real impressive feat for a central midfielder as he averages a goal every 2.3 games. Goals from the midfield has been at a short supply this season so it is vital we look to add more firepower from the midfield to help alleviate the pressure of the strikers and Brady Hickey could do just that.
Zaide Took-Oxley – Oxford United u18
The local born teenager could be the next on the line of the Oxford United and Banbury United loanee conveyor belt. Zaide has already experienced step 3 football this season with promotion hopefuls Salisbury as he made 5 appearances for the club before being recalled. Since his recall Took-Oxley has become the regular captain for the U18s side demonstrating his leadership qualities from a young age. Described by his teams mates as a ‘ratty centre mid but oozes quality on the ball’ could offer Banbury a different dynamic in the midfield with a player willing to do the dirty work. If Oxford wants him to progress ready for senior football, utilising their connection with Banbury could be their best option and in return Banbury could be hopeful of another James Golding or Aidan Elliott-wheeler. Could Zaide be made in Banbury?
Joshua Barlow - Gloucester City
Signed for us at the start of the season Josh never really got a run in the side. Each time he did play it was always through whole sales changes to the line-up not giving the young midfielder a fair crack at the whip. However, with appearances limited this season and recently signed for Gloucester City, I think it would be a shrewd move to bring Barlow back to the club. Barlow plays with an old head on young shoulders as he is very relaxed on the ball and likes to play forward. With the National North being a very physical and demanding league having a season at step 3 could help unleash his passing range due to having more time on the ball. Having a year at this level could be beneficial for both parties as Barlow could progress further physically and tactically to help propel himself back up the leagues whilst Banbury could have a strong ball playing midfielder on their hands.
George Forsythe – Kettering Town Fc loan from AFC Telford
Forsythe signed for AFC Telford at the start of the season from Kettering Town. However, the midfielder returned on loan to the Poppies for more game time. The Northampton telegraph was immediately impressed by the return of Forsythe mentioned, “the midfielder directs the traffic and has added much needed fire in the bellies of his new team-mates”. This highlights George’s Leadership and determination in the midfield something we have seen to lack this season so this would be a welcomed addition. George has been an influential player for Kettering town playing 38 times in the National league north, scoring 3 goals and now been a influential part of steering the club away from the drop zone. With his deal up at the end of the season at Telford, he will become available in the summer, and the former England 'C' player will be a solid player for any club at this level.
Jordan Crawford – Harborough Town
Jordon Crawford excelled at Corby town at step 4 playing with Charlie Wise before joining arch-rivals Kettering Town. He scored 6 goals in 34 appearances in his first season in the National League North with the Poppies leading to his switch to Boston United in summer 2022. Crawford later joined Peterborough Sports on a season-long loan in January making an immediate impact on his debut scoring in a 2-0 win over the clowns. The 27-year-old can play in a number of attacking roles and last season he scored 9 goals in 40 National League North appearance. Jordan offered Sports the injection of quality they needed as the Turbines secured survival in their first season at step 2. He later on signed for the clowns but with limited game, Jordan opted to sign for Harborough Town where it all started for him as a 17-year-old halfway through this season who ply their trade in step 4. The creative midfielder has scored 10 goals for the club who sit in 2nd place 1 point of the league leaders Spalding. If Harborough don’t go up, Jordan may well opt to go back up the leagues and with a player of this quality at step 4 we should go all out to sign him as again it can add goals to our midfield. WIll Jordan 'craw' back his career and make the moves back up the leagues again?
Attackers
In the attacking areas I would love to be able to keep Craig Hewitt as despite not always having the end product, the youngster has all the tools to refine his ability and a season at step 3 may l give him just that. Also, the addition of Dj Campbell has looked bright in his few appearances so far and I feel the tricky winger can be handful in the league below thus keeping these two wingers can be an important piece of the jigsaw. As seen previously in the division, with Ben Acquaye and Morgan Roberts, Speed, pace and power kills teams and Dj Campbell and Craig Hewitt have that in abundance. To finish of the attack we would need to secure a Number 9 who has high proficiency in front of goal and I have selected 5 players who I think could lead the line for Banbury.
Tim Berridge – Coalville Town
Tim Berridge is a serial goal scorer at step 3 for Coalville and this attacking option partners nicely with one of my managerial choices in Adam Stevens. The striker has made 238 appearances for the Ravens scoring 102 goals showing that the striker averages a goal 2.33 games highlighting his proficiency in front of goal. The 28-year-old is in best years right now so he may be tempted to have a new challenge after spending 6 years at the club. This would be a major coup and one what seems more on the unlikely side, but as football fans you can live and hope.
Levi Steele – Evesham
This is the most realistic target on this blog as Levi Steele is currently playing step 4 and is a Banbury lad who knows some of the players and fans here very well. However, I have not put his name on here just because he is a Banbury lad but because each season the striker is continually scoring goals for local sides. His goals galore stint at Easington led him to move to North Leigh where he featured often at step 3 but now, he is at Evesham and has scored 15 goals for Mike Ford side this season. The striker is seen as a fox in a box type player who is a lethal finisher when put in front of goal and Ford quoted upon signing Steele "He gets goals, is physically good and will run through a brick wall for you, and on top of that he is a great lad”. Banbury stabilised the club previously by bringing in a core of Banbury Born players in the 2015 promotion season with Wise, Harding, Howards and Johnson and this could be good option to go down next season. Is this a ‘steele for Banbury? Or should we just “levi” it alone? (Okay those were bad)
Callum Ebanks – Stratford Town
Stratford Town have got themselves in a playoff position this season thanks to their attacking talent Callum Ebanks. Signed at the beginning of the season the striker has boasted an impressive record in front of goal scoring 23 goals in 34 appearances for the Bards. The striker started his career at Cheltenham where he made his EFL League One debut for Cheltenham on 30 July 2022, in a 3–2 defeat to Peterborough United at Whaddon Road. During his time at the Gloucestershire club, Ebanks embarked on several loan spells, at Evesham the striker scored 9 goals in 13 games which Ed helped him earn loan loves to the National league with Eastleigh and then to the National league south with Bath City. This is a player who looks destined to return to the football league and still only 21 years old Banbury could be the next place for his development. This would be a signing of intent for the club attracting young talent who have the potential to have market resale to help the club financially. From the EBanks of the river Cherwell or to the shores of the river avon?
Jonathan Edwards – St Ives Fc
With my limited scouting knowledge, I could not, not put in the league’s top goal scorer. Jonathan Edwards has scored 28 goals and registered 8 assists for St Ives this season helping them to be the league’s top scorers. In 35 appearances, the striker has 36 goal contributions showing he is just more than forward who scores goals but that he can link up play and can create attacks for his teammates. Jonathan has got a wealth of experience behind him as he has played in the Football League and National league before settling at St Ives the past two seasons. Last season he also finished as St Ives top goal scorer with 26 goals in 47 appearances proving that he can deliver goals on a consistent basis. With the lack of Challenge of a playoff push from St Ives during the strikers spell at the club could present the opportunity of the striker leaving and be attracted to a club who has won promotion in recent times. Could Signing the profilic striker help Banbury stabilise and push on to go 'edwards and upwards' in the league?
Ken Charles – Banbury United
My last one is a strange one, but I have put Ken Charles in here as I feel there is a good striker in their who probably will earn a move to the National league south considering he is more London Based. However, I Feel keeping hold off Ken Charles could mean we'll unleash an attacking talent who could score 20 plus goals in the division below and be the striker we depend on. This season Ken Charles has scored 12 goals in a team who sometimes looked lost in the attacking third. However, I believe if Ken was playing under whingy and had the service from Babos, Gio, Acquaye, stevens etc he would oFf scored a lot more. He is striker who has all the attributes and its now about fine tuning them and raising his confidence to help him become the complete package. A season at step 3 didn’t do Chris Wreh or Jack Stevens any harm and maybe one season at step 3 could propel Charles back into the full time Armband. AND HE’S BANBURY’S NUMBER 9……. Hopefully for atleast one more season.
Overall, this next rebuild could decide Banbury’s fait for the short term and the long term, so it is pivotal we get this right...
I hope you have enjoyed this blog as much as I have enjoyed writing this one. Let me know of any signings who you might be interested in, in the comments and also let us know your thoughts on the players/managers I have mentioned, is their a standout candidate for you?. As always to help get this blog the exposure to a wider audience of Banbury Fans or just Non league fans in general any Retweets/quote tweets and likes are Much appreciated. WE ARE UNITED.
Thank you for reading.
UTP
Spencer Reds.
❤️💛