Following the closing date (Oct 4th) for nominations the Election Management Group (EMG) met on October 5th 2021 to review all applications for the new Supporters Panel, which aims to work alongside the club to improve the matchday experience and provide a direct voice to the club from fans.
Applications had been invited to join the panel and the EMG agreed that four valid nominations had been received prior to the closing date. No nominations have been classed as invalid, although some queries had been received and answered.
The four valid nominations are:-
· Paul Scaysbrook
· Greg David
· Janine Bailey
· Grace Bailey
No election is required and each of these four will be informed of their appointment to the supporter’s panel. In addition, Oxvox will be invited to appoint one further member.
The Election Management Group included Ashley Brown (Chair), Graham Knight-Whiddett and Michelle Young and we thank them for their efforts.
The Panel will initially consist of:
Greg David
Resident in Stanford in the Vale and previously with the ambulance service as a despatcher. Greg spent 15 years living and working in Europe and Scandinavia in the entertainment industry before returning to the UK to work in the hospitality industry and then retail before joining the ambulance service. Greg started attending Oxford matches at the age of 15 when living in Woodstock and has been a Season Ticket holder, with Mrs David, for 10 years in the South Stand Upper. Also regular traveller to away games.
Paul Scaysbrook
57 years and living in Abingdon, Paul has had Spina Bifida since birth which results in him having to use a wheelchair. He has supported Oxford since about 1980 and has been a season ticket holder for most of that time. He presently has a season ticket in the North Stand and attends all home matches and some away. A volunteer at the Paralympics in London in 2012 Paul used to do marathons in his wheelchair having done about 25 with 12 of them being the London Marathon - he actually did the London Marathon on the morning of the Milk Cup Final wearing his Oxford shirt rushing across London afterwards to Wembley to watch the game.
Grace Bailey
Grace lives in Oxfordshire and has a season ticket in South Stand. Despite recent health issues Grace has helped set up a charity for sufferers of ME/CFS called Smile For ME. “I know how debilitating chronic conditions can be for people, but also know how important having a love for something like football is too” she said. “I have a strong interest in helping others and if that means helping people come to my club and watch my team then those are two of my favourite things. I believe football needs to be a better and safer place for women of all ages, and would like and to try and bring more women into the ground to enjoy this wonderful game. I would also like to help the club make matches more accessible and enjoyable for people with disabilities.”
Janine Bailey
Brought up in Oxford, and a United fan since her teens when her first job was selling 50/50 tickets in Beech Road and the Manor Club, Janine moved back to Oxfordshire with her family two years ago (all brought up as true yellows!) and once again became a season ticket holder in the South Stand Lower. Janine has worked in customer support and training, sales and marketing and financial administration. More recently she combined duties as a carer with studying for a Master’s degree.
The panel will now hold an initial meeting before inviting and encouraging dialogue and ideas from all United fans. You can contact them via ouspinfo@gmail.com or on twitter @OUFCFSP