That was exactly the initial comments when the '
Giallo Esercito' group emerged in 2009. They worked hard, starting with small scale displays, laying the foundations and attracting 'members'. Renamed themselves as 'Oxford Ultras' to be more appealing to more people and over time the trust in them to deliver top notch displays.
It meant that as the original founders became older, went off to Uni, got jobs etc. there was an interest from others to take it on. And the respect was there from the wider fanbase, there was an understanding and that is what is important to allow to grow here.
When the Ultras disbanded at the end of the 18/19 season, we as a fanbase had almost become too reliant and expectant, there was no-one to step in and take the lead on continuing something similar. Then add in Covid, and there's a whole missing generation of OUFC fans. It feels like we're missing numbers in the 21-25 age bracket and it's something that is seen across the country actually.
I'm all for a group of younger lads who look for donations but also want to spend their own money and time in creating everything from small displays to massive full stand ones. I really don't think people realise how much time these things take.
Lets give them time to prove themselves and with Joe involved to keep them grounded and point them in the right direction - I have every faith they'll come good and we'll get back to the days like in the video below.