Oxford City FC new owners agreed with ‘exciting times ahead’

The club said it is looking to accelerate the progress that the club has made over the last few years.

Spark Strategic Partners, led by Carl Dunton, are the new owners of the semi-professional club.

Oxford City said that to ensure continuity, Justin Merritt becomes chief executive officer and all staff behind the scenes will continue in their roles.

Louise Merritt and Allan Steele will form the core management team along with Mr Merritt and Mr Dunton and will run the club day-to-day.

The National League and the FA have approved the new ownership structure.

Mr Dunton, an Oxford graduate, said: “Oxford City is a fantastic club with a great history and significant ties rooted in the community.

“The opportunity to be involved with the oldest football club in Oxford was a big attraction.

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“It is great to be back in Oxford after so much time away. The Spark team has been hugely impressed with what the club has achieved and also with their plans for their men’s and women’s teams as well as for the facilities and the stadium.

“We really liked the way the club works with the university and businesses across Oxfordshire and in particular the development and education programs surrounding the club and Velocity under Eddie Odhiambo.

“The club does great work in the local community and there is a real ‘family feel’. We want this to continue and to support the club as we grow and move forward.”

The TotalQ Stand at the M-Group Stadium (Image: Fortitude Communications)

Mr Merritt welcomed the new owner and said: “This is a very proud and exciting day for all of us.

“Carl shares our passion for football and what the club stands for. We have always talked about the potential here in everything we do.

“This move will hopefully bring those dreams a step closer to becoming reality.

“Since January, Spark Strategic has made funds available to the club, enabling us to bring in players who have made a real difference in the second half of the season.

“The aim is to keep that progress going and build a long-term, sustainable football club.”

“I’ve been a player, manager, owner and now CEO at the club and I am delighted to be part of the management team as Oxford City enters an exciting new chapter.”

Oxford City compete in the National League North, the sixth tier of the English football league system. They play their home matches at Marsh Lane.