A lifelong Oxford United fan has stepped from the stands into the boardroom to work for the club after new chairman Kelvin Thomas's meetings with supporters.

Season ticket holder David Jackson, from Witney, will use his 18 years of sales experience to help increase the club's commercial revenue on a part-time, unpaid basis.

The 40-year-old, whose father Fred played for Headington United in the 1950s and helped lay the foundations of the old Manor Ground, was appointed by chairman Kelvin Thomas, who last week invited fans to meet him and share ideas.

Mr Jackson will continue his full-time work-from-home job in IT communications, but said he would be spreading the word of Oxford United to potential business partners. He said: "I came in and talked to Kelvin last week and it was clear that our ideas overlapped in so many areas.

"I wanted to help the club. I am fortunate that I can combine my full-time sales job with working at the club whenever needed.

"I won't have a desk but I will be able to go into the club when I need to and when I'm visiting companies in my full-time role I can say 'by the way, who is the person I need to speak to about Oxford United?'.

"The ability to work very closely with Barry Phillips (the club's full-time commercial manager) allows us to have two people going out and getting as much revenue as possible."

Mr Jackson said his short-term aim would be to sell more matchday executive boxes and increase advertising and sponsorship.

He said: "We are averaging 4,000 fans at home games and we want to be where I, as a fan, think we should and can be, at about 6,000 to 6,500.

"Over the course of the next three to six games, myself and Barry will be looking to target university students, going downwards to further-education students and school pupils.

"We've got three home games coming up and myself, Barry and Kelvin want fans to speak to us about block booking tickets and commercial companies looking to take on a box.

He added: "I just want the best for Oxford United."

Chairman Kelvin Thomas said: "I originally met David when he applied for the commercial manager's job a few months ago. He impressed me then and when he came in last week it was obvious he had a passion for the club, great commercial experience and wanted to help.

"We are delighted he will be part of the commercial team and we look forward to his input and his help."