Buildbase Builders Merchants

BUILDBASE CONGRATULATES OUFC ON PROMOTION

Buildbase is delighted that Oxford United FC has won promotion back into the Football League, following an epic play-off final at Wembley. As the club’s longest continuous sponsor Buildbase is proud to have added its support and backing to OUFC over the past ten years.

Oxford United were victorious in the Conference League play-offs at Wembley, beating York City by 3 – 1. The goals were scored by Matt Green, James Constable and Alfie Potter. Around 33,000 travelling supporters had an incredible day at the home of football and filled the stadium with a sea of yellow.

“It was an incredible day for us all and we are so proud of the players and the coaching team for their inspired, match-winning performance,” says Buildbase managing director, Stephen Thompstone. “To have our name on the shirts of the players and all the thousands of fans was a real honour. The occasion is one that we’ll all remember for a long time. Our warm congratulations go to everyone involved in this fantastic achievement.”

The whole county got behind the team leading up to the play-off final. Following the win Oxford City Council organised a procession of open top buses to take the players on a celebratory tour. The began at the Kassam Stadium and passed Johnsons Buildbase on its way into the centre of the city. Thousands of fans lined the streets to wish them well and Oxford’s Broad Street was crowded with supporters where the players and managers were given a civic reception.

BUILDBASE COMMENDS
AWARD-WINNING STRIKER
At the end of last season the OUFC Players’ Player award, sponsored by Buildbase, was won by star striker James Constable. Peter Butterfield presented the award on behalf of Buildbase at the last match of the season, alongside OUFC chairman Kelvin Thomas.

James Constable was also named as Supporters’ Player of the Year and has signed a three-year contract with Oxford United. He has been a major contributor to the performance of the club and is one of the top scorers in the league.

Peter Butterfield said: “We were delighted that James won the award. He’s such a central figure in the side who obviously inspires the other players and is extremely popular with the fans.

“With lots more goals from James and the other players we can carry forward the momentum. It could be the best season yet and Buildbase would like to add its support and belief to the club and its many loyal fans.”

DREAM START TO NEW SEASON Buildbase are proud to be official sponsors of Oxford United FC as they undertake the 2009/10 season. The club is fulfilling its potential as one of the strongest contenders in the Blue Square Premiership and is continuing its run of largely unbeaten games at the end of last season.

Manager Chris Wilder brought in some exciting new players for the new season who have already shown huge skill and determination. Wilder has instilled a great belief in the players which is tempered by a rigorous training programme and thorough preparation before each match.

Club chairman Kelvin Thomas and his colleagues who run the club have also created an open and honest approach that is appreciated by the fans.

Match attendances are consistently high, including away fixtures in all parts of the country. This unstinting support has been likened to the 12th man on the pitch and, this season, fans have been able to raise money to channel funds into the club to strengthen the playing squad.

This is the ninth season that Buildbase has pledged its support for Oxford United, as the builders merchant becomes one of the club’s longest continuous shirt sponsors. This season OUFC has alternating shirt sponsors on the home and away shirts. as Buildbase is joined by sister organisation, plumbers merchant Plumbase, which sponsors the white U’s away shirts.

Both Plumbase and Buildbase are part of Grafton Merchanting GB which has its head offices at Oxford Business Park.

Oxford United has given a lot of enjoyment to thousands of fans over the years and plays a key role in the local community. Buildbase has strong connections with Oxford – the first branch was Johnsons Buildbase on Watlington Road, very close to the Kassam Stadium - and the company is pleased to be associated with such a long-established local club.

Click here to view Oxford United's 2009/10 Fixtures List