Oxford City are optimistic of signing up a main club sponsor for the start of the new Ryman League Division 1 North season, having been without one for the last campaign.

Vice-chairman Brian Cox, 62, who is in temporary charge after chairman Mick Woodley retired last week, said: "We are speaking to several people.

"We want to get more involved in the community, with a view to attracting more youngsters to games.

"People want to do things for the club. We have already attracted three new people to the committee, so hopefully we will progress."

Cox, who was City's youth manager for five years, said he was enjoying his role as acting chairman. "It's quite a challenge, but things are moving along nicely.

"We have to hold an AGM before we can appoint a successor and that probably won't be until next month. But it would be a great honour if I were asked to be chairman."

Forced to retire from the game as a 19-year-old due to a knee injury after he had just signed for Headington United, Cox has been involved in local youth football for more than 25 years.

His finest hour came in 1995 when his youth side beat their Arlesey counterparts before the FA Vase final at Wembley.

"That day was the highlight for me and the club. It was a good day for one half of the club. I walked up the famous steps and we got a medal."

The club held a special committee meeting on Thursday to discuss the departure of Woodley.

In a statement, the club said: "Mick worked very hard, along with other enthusiastic members of the committee, to get the club back on its feet after losing the White House Ground.

"This is now a new era for Oxford City, and the committee are determined to move the club forward again, and further increase the standing of the club in the community."

Woodley has been made a life vice-president.