General Niall McWilliams

I worked closely with Niall on much of the earlier stadium stuff, including through the Covid period, and we still speak regularly.

I've known about this for a while, and before too many people put two and two together and come up with five, it has been 100% Niall's own decision. It's not right for me to go into the reasons why he's come to his decision, that's for Niall to explain if, and when, he feels the time is right.

What I will say, is that I know just how hard he's worked, particularly on the new stadium, and there have been times where it's felt as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He's earn't his rest, and I know how much he's looking forward to it.

Thanks Niall, I look forward to taking my seat in the new stadium with you mate.
 
Worrying times at present! No idea whats going on behind the scenes but with the club at such an important cross roads, the upheaval we've seen recently and the loss of some who really have OUFC in their hearts can't be good!
 
I’ve had cause to have a bit of contact with Niall over the years. He’s such an incredibly nice bloke and has put his heart and soul into the club.

When I was auctioning the London Road sign for Joey’s daughters, it was Niall that got in contact and ensured that the sign would not only go back to its rightful home but that the money raised would be far in excess of what any fan was prepared to pay.

From what Colin has said, it seems like he’s making the right decision for him, but I think the club will be poorer for his decision.
 
Scotchegg said:
There was a time when posters on here thought that Niall and I were one and the same! I'm sure that some thought that this was an insult, but it would have been an honour to have been mistaken for the man that has done so much to (hopefully) secure our new home and the future of our club. The work that Niall has done can not be under estimated, and much of this has been done behind the scenes without him ever seeking the credit that he deserves. Niall was the one voice that fought to have the training ground in the clubs name, and to ensure that the club are protected at every step of the stadium project and beyond. He built up so many positive relationships with key stakeholders and he has managed to smooth over some very difficult paths that have got us to the brink of success.

There's a very real chance that without Niall McWilliams there would be no Oxford United, and I for one am grateful for everything he has done.
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Hear Hear well said Mr egg
 
Scotchegg said:
There was a time when posters on here thought that Niall and I were one and the same! I'm sure that some thought that this was an insult, but it would have been an honour to have been mistaken for the man that has done so much to (hopefully) secure our new home and the future of our club. The work that Niall has done can not be under estimated, and much of this has been done behind the scenes without him ever seeking the credit that he deserves. Niall was the one voice that fought to have the training ground in the clubs name, and to ensure that the club are protected at every step of the stadium project and beyond. He built up so many positive relationships with key stakeholders and he has managed to smooth over some very difficult paths that have got us to the brink of success.

There's a very real chance that without Niall McWilliams there would be no Oxford United, and I for one am grateful for everything he has done.
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That’s exactly what Niall would say…😉
 
Foley said:
He seems to have done a fantastic job particularly on the Stadium project.
Hopefully he will be guest of honour at the first game of the 2026/27 season in the new ground, and he will get huge thanks from the club.
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yeah but the project isn’t done yet. If he was in charge of the planning application what if it’s rejected and needs further work?
All these people leaving doesn’t seem right. But I have to say I don’t really know anything about him. Only that he likes to dress like he’s on peeky blinders.
Being positive could it be that the dead wood is being stripped out?
Or negative rats leaving a sinking ship?

I guess @Scotchegg wont be posting much anymore 😜
 
Shaun Rice said:
yeah but the project isn’t done yet. If he was in charge of the planning application what if it’s rejected and needs further work?
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He wasn't in charge of the planning application. He was initially in charge of liaising with the council and finding a suitable site.

External companies are in charge of seeing this through the planning application stage as they are the ones who have drawn up the plans etc.
 
Scotchegg said:
There was a time when posters on here thought that Niall and I were one and the same! I'm sure that some thought that this was an insult, but it would have been an honour to have been mistaken for the man that has done so much to (hopefully) secure our new home and the future of our club. The work that Niall has done can not be under estimated, and much of this has been done behind the scenes without him ever seeking the credit that he deserves. Niall was the one voice that fought to have the training ground in the clubs name, and to ensure that the club are protected at every step of the stadium project and beyond. He built up so many positive relationships with key stakeholders and he has managed to smooth over some very difficult paths that have got us to the brink of success.

There's a very real chance that without Niall McWilliams there would be no Oxford United, and I for one am grateful for everything he has done.
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Thanks for everything, Niall!
 
Job done Niall. Extremely grateful for the hard work you’ve put in, and served us well. You got us this far, and like @Colin B said, see you at the new stadium.

Oh also will always remember that smile at IM when the council put this project to this stage.

Thanks again Niall.
 
Steve Gilbert said:
A fan of the football club, who when he joined, mentioned about how exciting it was to work for the club because of the bright future it has, decides to leave their role after 7 years just when we at one of the most exciting cross roads in the clubs history.

Nothing odd about that at all, especially after the comms manager has just left, who just happens to be a fan of the football club as well and has been at the club for over 20 years.

I hope Tim doesn't feel like the club are over communicating by writing such a long piece about Niall rather than just the 9 lines that Chris Williams got...
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How do you explain Oxford fan, Des Buckingham, getting the managers job then ?
 
Steve Gilbert said:
Maybe because the club thought he was the best man for the job after interviews?
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Oh, ok. Your post seemed to suggest the club were recklessly dispensing with staff who had an attachment to the club. I just thought I’d show that to obviously not be the case.
 
Scotchegg said:
Hopefully we can move on from the "staff being pushed out" narrative on this thread as Colin has stated that this isn't the case with Niall. Let's focus on everything he did for our club and let the speculation for other threads.
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Heard from an ex employee that Adam and Tim are the problem .
 
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