Jon Cox

I returned to Banbury in 1970, after living my early years in Hampstead, i joined Alex Lawrie Factors in 1969 and spent 20 years as a senior manager with them, before changing careers and becoming a main board director of one of Europe’s leading credit and financial companies.

I kept goal for various local teams and aged 33 I joined Banbury United assistant manager of the under 14’s team, quickly becoming chairman of the youth organisation, and became a full board member of Banbury United, working with Mike Cross, Ray Alcock, Phil Rogers and Mike Hazelwood under the then chairmanship of John Rogers.

I was the only member of that board of directors retained when the club was sold to Mike Townley. As the board member responsible for youth development I over saw one of the most successful youth organisation in the clubs history, with the under 14’s, under 16’s and under 18 teams enjoying a purple patch with many former youth players turning out for Banbury. Dave Bristow one of my under 14 team becoming one of the favourites at the club, others include Dick Turvey, Charlie Taggart. I brought Ray Train to the club as youth team trainer although he was quickly signed up by manager Wilf Tranter who appointed me as reserve team coach/ manager.

Sadly work commitments forced me to step down from the board in 1991 as my work saw me commuting to London every day and I was unable to give the level of commitment required, nevertheless my love for the Puritans continued and I have been a regular supporter and match day visitor for over 40 years, despite being a life long West Ham fan.

Supporting my local team is important to me as is supporting the local community, I joined Banbury Sea Cadets as a volunteer instructor towards the end of the 1970’s and eventually became Commanding Officer of TS Harvester only retiring some 5 years ago due to health reasons. From 1990 I was appointed General Manager of Banbury’s Crematorium and as such designed and built the award Crematoriums Memorial gardens and as manager met and assisted many local bereaved families during my 15 years employment.

Since retiring 4 years ago I have busied myself in various voluntary roles, including working for the Children’s Society shop on Hanwell Fields as a volunteer as well as presenting a twice weekly live show for Radio Horton, I hopefully will continue in these latest roles and I am delighted to also join Puritans Radio as a presenter thus completing the circle by re-joining the football club I have supported for around 40 years!

If i had to pick three of my favourite songs, 1. I’m Alive,  The Hollies 2. From The Underworld, Peter Frampton and the Herd  3. Here We Are, Gloria Estefan.