THE new millionaire patron of Oxford City Casuals FC has revealed his desire to “drive the club forward”.

Former Rover managing director Prof Kevin Morley said he was excited to be involved in the club – Oxfordshire’s first to cater exclusively for people with learning difficulties and special needs.

One of his first projects with the club is helping to promote Oxford City Casuals Active – a scheme which aims to help club members outside football by finding them work placements and courses.

The club hopes the scheme will help members develop their self-confidence and independence.

Liverpool-born Prof Morley, 57, who last year appeared on Channel 4 reality television show The Secret Millionaire is not financing the club, but instead using his business expertise to boost its profile and help it progress.

He said: “I am really excited by what I have seen so far.

“As well as being a group of talented footballers, they also want to take every opportunity which is open to them.”

Prof Morley, who lives in Oxfordshire, said he would uses his contacts and business experience to highlight the club, in a bid to bring greater attention to its work.

He said: “Oxford City Casuals is playing a vital role for a lot of people who may have struggled in the past.

“I will give them advice about how best to move the club forward.”

Formerly called Oxfordshire Learning Disability Football Club, the team became known as Oxford City Casuals after becoming part of Oxford City FC in 2007.

Oxford City FC managing director Colin Taylor said: “We are absolutely delighted that Kevin has joined us and shown great interest in wanting to support the work we are all doing here.

“His charisma and expertise will be a major asset in the further growth of Oxford City Casuals.”

Prof Morley was appointed managing director of the Rover Car Group in 1989, where he was responsible for a turnover of £3.2bn and 1,100 employees.

He left in 1992 and set up his own company, Kevin Morley Marketing, which he sold in 1995.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk