The venue now falls under fresh stewardship as Oxford City FC marks what leadership calls encouraging progress on the horizon.

The outfit seeks to capitalise on foundations laid in recent seasons.

Spark Strategic Partners, guided by Carl Dunton, has assumed control of the non-league side.

Justin Merritt takes the chief executive role to ensure continuity, with the current workforce retaining their posts.

Louise Merritt and Allan Steele will partner with Mr. Merritt and Mr. Dunton comprising the core leadership team managing everyday club affairs.

The National League and the Football Association have sanctioned the fresh ownership structure.

Dunton, who earned his degree at the University of Oxford, noted that Oxford City carries a distinguished name with deep historical roots and solid local ties.

The unique opportunity to link with Oxford’s longest-standing football club struck a particular chord.

Returning to Oxford after such a lengthy absence has been truly special. The Spark collective has been genuinely impressed by the club’s achievements and future plans for both male and female squads, alongside stadium development proposals.

I was particularly attracted to the club’s partnerships with the university and regional businesses across Oxfordshire, specifically the learning and growth programs associated with Velocity under Eddie Odhiambo’s direction.

The organisation conducts meaningful work in the neighbourhood and preserves a true familial spirit. Our goal is to nurture these qualities while supporting expansion and improvement.

Merritt spoke directly to the incoming proprietor: This marks an extraordinary source of pride and optimism for everyone connected.

Carl mirrors our passion for the game and harmony with the club’s core principles. We’ve long recognised the untapped possibilities within our setup.

This arrangement should bring those possibilities significantly nearer to actualisation.

Starting from January, Spark Strategic has delivered financial backing enabling us to recruit players who substantially influenced the season’s closing stretch.

Our ambition is to maintain this trajectory and construct a sustainable, enduring football club.

He added: Having experienced roles as a player, coach, proprietor, and now chief executive, I’m energised to join the leadership group as Oxford City enters an exciting new chapter.

Oxford City competes in the National League North, occupying the sixth tier of the English football hierarchy. The club plays its home games at Marsh Lane.