GREIG Box Turnbull has stepped down as a director of Oxford City Stars.

The former Oxford United managing director has relinquished his 50 per cent stake in the club, meaning Jo Mundy is the sole shareholder at Oxpens.

Box Turnbull joined the Stars board after leaving the U’s in 2017 and reflected on his five years’ service.

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He said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my directorship at the Stars and I’m proud of what we have achieved as a club, thanks to the commitment and hard work of many people.

“We have overcome some big challenges over the years, and our progress means I leave the club in a healthy position financially and operationally.

“The club has established itself in NIHL Division 1 South, grown the fanbase, its commercial appeal and community engagement.

“I’m proud to have been a custodian of the Stars and I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me and the club during this time.

“I’ve made a lot of good friends at the Stars and wish everyone all the best for the future.

“I’ll be on hand to help in any way I can, in an informal capacity and look forward to returning to watch the team.”

Stars won NIHL Division 2 South in 2017/18, Box Turnbull’s first season at Oxpens.

But his time at the club was heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, which brought a premature end to the 2019/20 campaign.

Stars did not play a competitive game for 18 months before starting the 2021/22 season 12 months ago.

They finished eighth in Division 1 South, with head coach Dean Birrell leaving in March.

Simon Anderson returned for his fourth spell in charge in May, one of several exciting on and off-ice additions made in recent months.

Stars said in a statement: “We’d like to place on record our huge thanks to Greig for his commitment and service over a five-year period.

“We also thank his PR agency Fortitude Communications for all its support during this time.

“During Greig’s tenure the club has moved up a league and developed off-ice to create a sustainable business model which now bodes well for the future.

“A strategic review of the club will now take place to establish how to proceed at a senior level.

“As a club, we are in strong position with a great foundation of volunteers, which gives us the ability to now review our operating model.

“The club has had some big changes over the last six months, both off-ice and on-ice, and it is an exciting time for ice hockey in Oxford.”

Stars began the season with a 6-4 win over Slough Jets last Saturday.

They have two Division 1 South fixtures this weekend, with a trip to Raiders tomorrow (5.15pm) followed by a home game against Slough 24 hours later (6.15pm).