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Kevin Wilson returns as gaffer to where it all started
31/01/2024
One of the club’s greatest ever players is back and focused on keeping them in the Vanarama National League North
A top-flight footballer who played for the likes of Ipswich Town, Chelsea and Notts County has returned to Banbury where it all started. Kevin Wilson has taken on the role of first team manager and is focused on ensuring the Puritans remain in the Vanarama National League North.
Kevin was born in Banbury and first joined Banbury United at the age of 17. In the 1978-79 season he made 45 appearances for the first team, scoring 13 goals. His on-pitch performance didn’t go unnoticed with Derby County paying a transfer fee of £25,000 to Banbury to secure him – a record amount for Banbury United.
Playing for Northern Ireland Kevin was capped 42 times.
He entered management with Northampton Town where he achieved promotion to League Two in 2000.
Now 62, Kevin will take charge of the Puritans during their away game at Chester on Saturday. Last night he met the players and coaching staff ahead of their 2-1 home win against Darlington.
He said: “The club is entering a very exciting phase, with an impending ground move that requires significant funds to be raised – we simply must stay in this league. From what we saw on Saturday, we have the talent on board to achieve this. I’ll have a different management style for sure, but I do not plan to make any rush decisions with the squad.”
Kevin added: “Longer term, I’m keen that Banbury United improves the pathway to professional football for local youngsters. Banbury served me well as a teenager and I would like to give something back to the promising talent of the town.”
Ronnie Johnson, Chairman of Banbury United FC, said: “I think I speak on behalf of Banbury past and present by expressing our pleasure at the appointment of Kevin Wilson as manager of Banbury United Football Club.
“Kevin’s homecoming is something of a fairy tale story for one of the Club’s greatest ever players and we see in him the right experience and character to work with our squad, ensuring we remain playing football at this level and putting in the groundwork for a competitive 24/25 season.
“Welcome back home, Kevin!”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam