Oxford City FC director found hanged off stadium roof by three kids who turned up for morning training
Colin Taylor tragically took his own life after slipping into depression, aggravated by the clubs perilous financial situation
A FOOTBALL club boss was found hanged alongside the press box at his own stadium after becoming stressed over the team's financial difficulties, a coroner heard today.
Mr Taylor was found with a rope around his neck near the Press box at the ground of his beloved Oxford City Football Club by the youngsters who had turned up at around 8am.
The coroner heard that Mr Taylor had struggled with depression since 2006 and was worried about the financial welfare of the non-league club.
He had visited the stadium the evening before his death to check in on a private function taking place and told bar workers he would return the following day to help them clean up.
However when his wife Susan realised he was missing from their home she arrived at the ground to be greeted by the three boys who made the grim discovery on July 17.
Mr Taylor, from Wheatley, Oxford, had sought sponsorship and attended meetings in London with a view to sealing a deal the day before his body was found hanging from the roof of the Charity Stand at Court Place Farm.
During the inquest into his death in Oxford, Assistant Coroner Nicholas Graham heard the pensioner took an early retirement in 2006 and became the managing director following a shake-up at the National League South side.
Mrs Taylor had seen her husband the night before his death and noticed his wallet was left by his chair he had fallen asleep in.
During a statement read at the inquest she said: "Back in 1974 he was hit very hard by the death of his mother and he had stressful work which resulted, in November 2006, in him taking early retirement.
"From an early age he had a passion for football and played for the Oxford City youth team and played into his 30s. He had to stop playing because of a knee injury.
"At the end of 2007 he became more involved with the club after the chairman resigned and under the restructuring he took control as managing director.
"This role made Colin take more and more responsibility. He wasn't paid for it as it was voluntary.
"His biggest achievement was developing the Oxford City Casuals which was a team for people with learning disabilities.
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"There were financial difficulties and Colin worked hard to turn the club around. The club still has financial worries and Colin tried to manage those."
Mr Taylor also had a history of deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in his leg for which he was prescribed warfarin but decided not to wear the compression socks he was provided with.
Mrs Taylor added: "Colin deemed his depression as a failure himself.
"He attended a meeting in London with potential sponsors and he went to see Oxford City play.
"In the morning I realised Colin wasn't in bed. I got up and realised his phone and wallet were in the place he usually leaves them but I wasn't worried as he usually leaves them.
"I drove to the football club shortly before 9am and before I approached, three boys told me he was found hanging and they pointed towards the Press box.
"I noticed my husband hanging and I rang my daughter because I was in shock."
Sharon Anne Smith, who worked at the club, was due to meet with Mr Taylor following the private function at around midday to start cleaning up.
In a statement she said: "The financial constraints were no different from any other club and, despite the difficulties, I got the impression Colin wasn't concerned about it.
"On July 16 I had been at Oxford City Football Club working and worked at the bar for a function in the evening.
"The disco had started and this was his cue to go as he didn't like them. I left at 2.30am and as I left everything appeared to be normal. There were no cars in the car park and Colin would always park in the same place.
"That was the last time I saw Colin."
Concluding that Mr Taylor took his own life, coroner Mr Graham said: "There seems to be a history of some mental health issues and perhaps Mr Taylor didn't pay attention to those issues in a way that could have helped him.
"There was some suggestion the role had its own difficulties and some financial issues. The evidence suggests to me he did an act and indicated to take his own life.
"I know Mr Taylor played a huge role in developing Oxford City Football Club and I'm sure that will be his lasting legacy."
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