General New Stadium Plans - The Triangle - Land Deal

[GeneralLee]

I don't think the emails will get read in such depth, I have removed the introduction but here's mine...

Hi,

My name is (X). I am a lifelong supporter of Oxford United and a local business owner.

I am writing in relation to the scheduled meeting dated 24th January relating to the proposed stadium development on 'the Triangle'.

Oxford United is more than a football club. As a six-year-old, my father introduced me to our former home of the football club, The Manor Ground in Headington. In the following years my weekends would be consumed by football. Throughout the mid-late 90's, my dad would selflessly commit to football and his kids. 'Saturday Specials' ran by the club enabling children from all backgrounds to engage in sport with the tutelage of former United players. This was followed by food at the ground, meeting the players and the subsequent home fixture watching the club I support. Our Sunday morning were too consumed by football, a common theme in our household growing up. My father being Manager of my local football team further supported this, Oxford United alongside my encouraging dad the facilitators of my football obsession. Football was and still remains a central theme.

Fast forward a number of years, my father passed away shortly after our last promotion. Those memories I will forever cherish. At this point in time dad had days left and we spent it watching football together. He knew time was against us and so did we, yet those 90 minutes which provide many people with the opportunity to detach from the realities of life, for us it meant so much more. On this day, May 7th 2016 no other outlet would have facilitated that special moment between my dad and I. The knowing that my dad spent a few hours invested in something so important despite knowing his fate. He smiled for an afternoon of football watching his beloved Oxford United. Nothing else in that moment could have replicated the sheer joy and emotion. Dad eventually passed away days later, yet that opportunity to watch our football club which had bonded us and so many other families meant so much.

This football club, like many others across the country means something to so many people. Very few things bond so many people together irrespective of background, colour of skin, status, appearance or opinion. A football club does not discriminate. I am a third generation Oxford United supporter. In the near future, I hope the next generations will also support the club.

A new ground is paramount to our existence and of significant importance not only for financial reasons which has been well publicised, but most vitally to ensure the next generation of kids to engage and enjoy football as an outlet, idolise local players like I once did and ensure the generation of kids that I played and more recent generations across Oxfordshire can fully immerse themselves as parents ensuring their own kids can share the same fond experiences that so many have previously.

This is not about just about a decision on a proposed football stadium. This is about parents taking their kids to their next football match, people using Oxford United as a vehicle to alleviate individual struggles and to ensure the next generation of Oxford United supporters have a football club to be proud of. Just like family, you can't change your football club.

I implore you to support the club at this time. Let's make history and back our football club which means so much to so many.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Sarge]

Just shy of a 10k gate .... and in freezing foggy conditions today. Sneery opponents such as Geoff Leith, in littlemore, who writes nonsense to the Oxford Mail, take note pal

 

[YellowSubmarine]

10k crowd and I’m sure Ipswich would’ve sold 3,000 if we had allocated them that.

Shows how much we need a new home

 

[Orkney Islands Yellow]

Anyone got a pic of the leaflets that were at the game? I didn't pick one up.

 

[Scrongo]

Strange how Geoff Leith, lives in the vicinity of the stadium ( LITTLEMORE). Knows nothing about it,also you'd think he would be happy & couldn't wait for it to go . He also ,don't want it built 11 .3 miles away in Kidlington. Something don't sit right there with me I'm afraid...

 

[OUSP]

Anyone got a pic of the leaflets that were at the game? I didn't pick one up.

http://www.oxvox.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SOS-A5-final.pdf

 

[MJB]

Enjoyed Barry’s questioning of the Oxford Mail’s cackhanded letters page on the radio today - lovely stuff.

 

[OX14]

I do know if the Grenoble road was a 20,000 we would have to put an access road in the plan, not sure if the mats why were only looking for an 18,000 seater stadium.

I thought it was anything over 15000 at the Kassam and a new access road would have to be built. Hence why original stadium was going to be 15k capacity.

 

[gofish2]

I was really impressed with the Oxvox plea for support during the 'wasn't at the game'. I have sent the following to all councillors and also to Chris Williams (I couldn't find an email for Niall McWilliams) I have also sent it to Jerome Sale as it offers a different perspective on considerations. I haven't included my details on this post for reasons which I am sure you will appreciate. I had a 'Tesco' moment, 'every little......'


Dear All,
Inevitably, as a fan of Oxford united, I would of course wish to add my support to those who have already written. My position, however, is slightly different in that I am keen to point out that this club has helped many local young people over recent years.

The academy system, and numerous other initiatives have provided inclusion for many boys and girls, where perhaps, alternatives were few and far between. There are many disenfrachised young people in our county, suffering with a very wide range of difficulties. Speaking as a clinician I can categorically confirm that at least 6 of my patients have experienced direct benefit from the clubs' youth schemes.

I think that a sense of purpose and belonging is vital for so many children and young people, and although they may well not graduate through the ranks to professional contracts, the experience of being 'part of something important' can only have a positive influence.

I am keen to support any initiative to support mental health, children and young people in particular, as I see so many suffering from life changing difficulties.

As clinicians, there is a lot we can do, but as a community we can do a great deal more. In my view, Oxford United have a proven track record in their support of community initiatives and without them, I really would be concerned at the loss of opportunities this would cause.

I do hope that this email can be viewed favourably and I would be happy to provide any further information by way of clarification and support.

My kind regards,

 

[Orkney Islands Yellow]

Great to 'see' the sos on the perimeter boards today.

 

[MJB]

I was really impressed with the Oxvox plea for support during the 'wasn't at the game'. I have sent the following to all councillors and also to Chris Williams (I couldn't find an email for Niall McWilliams) I have also sent it to Jerome Sale as it offers a different perspective on considerations. I haven't included my details on this post for reasons which I am sure you will appreciate. I had a 'Tesco' moment, 'every little......'


Dear All,
Inevitably, as a fan of Oxford united, I would of course wish to add my support to those who have already written. My position, however, is slightly different in that I am keen to point out that this club has helped many local young people over recent years.

The academy system, and numerous other initiatives have provided inclusion for many boys and girls, where perhaps, alternatives were few and far between. There are many disenfrachised young people in our county, suffering with a very wide range of difficulties. Speaking as a clinician I can categorically confirm that at least 6 of my patients have experienced direct benefit from the clubs' youth schemes.

I think that a sense of purpose and belonging is vital for so many children and young people, and although they may well not graduate through the ranks to professional contracts, the experience of being 'part of something important' can only have a positive influence.

I am keen to support any initiative to support mental health, children and young people in particular, as I see so many suffering from life changing difficulties.

As clinicians, there is a lot we can do, but as a community we can do a great deal more. In my view, Oxford United have a proven track record in their support of community initiatives and without them, I really would be concerned at the loss of opportunities this would cause.

I do hope that this email can be viewed favourably and I would be happy to provide any further information by way of clarification and support.

My kind regards,

This is wonderful.

So many rich stories on here from fans. If the club are reading this, they should send a few DMs.

A goldmine for case studies, video content, social messaging, publications, Council meetings.

This club is the lifeblood of a community which not only enriches life, but saves lives. How many young men, who often tragically leave us too soon, are given hope and support by club and fellow supporters? I know of a few.

The mental health impact of losing our club would be devastating for so many. Including me.

Oxfordshire County Council should remember this.

 

[foghorn]

As an exile, it's a little difficult to know how to approach this, so I've gone for a slightly different angle:

Kia ora Liz

I’m an Oxford United supporter, currently exiled in Dunedin, New Zealand.

It’s impossible not to see parallels between the decision facing Oxfordshire County Council on 24th January, and the one that faced Dunedin not so long ago.

Dunedin is a university city, with a similar population to Oxford. In the early 2000s, it became apparent that the main sports stadium (Carisbrook) was no longer fit for purpose, and that if top level sport (eg, All Blacks test matches) was to continue in Dunedin, a new stadium would be required. Inevitably there was a period of intense debate about how this would be achieved, and whether it was even necessary.

Long story short, in 2011 Dunedin got a state-of-the-art new stadium, which more than 10 years later is still the envy of the rest of New Zealand and a source of pride to the city. The economic benefit to the city has also been considerable - estimated at $300 million in the stadium’s first ten years.

Perhaps most importantly of all, the Dunedin’s stadium is an example of how a sports facility can work at the heart of the community - not just as a sports venue, but as a hub for everything from charity fundraisers, to family fun days, to Pacific cultural events, to beer and food festivals, and much more.

In the same way that it’s hard to imagine Dunedin without its new stadium now, it’s hard to imagine Oxfordshire without Oxford United, and the benefits that the club brings to the community - not to mention the pleasure and enjoyment that the club brings to its tens of thousands of supporters in Oxfordshire and around the world.

So while, as a supporter, I’m obviously keen to see a decision in favour of a new ground for Oxford United this Tuesday, I’m also certain that it will be the right decision for Oxfordshire. I therefore very much hope that the council will decide in favour of allowing development of ’The Triangle’ site as a new home for Oxford United.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email.

Edit - added the picture as an image instead of an attachment (didn't include the picture in my email to Liz! )

 

[MJB]

As an exile, it's a little difficult to know how to approach this, so I've gone for a slightly different angle:

Kia ora Liz

I’m an Oxford United supporter, currently exiled in Dunedin, New Zealand.

It’s impossible not to see parallels between the decision facing Oxfordshire County Council on 24th January, and the one that faced Dunedin not so long ago.

Dunedin is a university city, with a similar population to Oxford. In the early 2000s, it became apparent that the main sports stadium (Carisbrook) was no longer fit for purpose, and that if top level sport (eg, All Blacks test matches) was to continue in Dunedin, a new stadium would be required. Inevitably there was a period of intense debate about how this would be achieved, and whether it was even necessary.

Long story short, in 2011 Dunedin got a state-of-the-art new stadium, which more than 10 years later is still the envy of the rest of New Zealand and a source of pride to the city. The economic benefit to the city has also been considerable - estimated at $300 million in the stadium’s first ten years.

Perhaps most importantly of all, the Dunedin’s stadium is an example of how a sports facility can work at the heart of the community - not just as a sports venue, but as a hub for everything from charity fundraisers, to family fun days, to Pacific cultural events, to beer and food festivals, and much more.

In the same way that it’s hard to imagine Dunedin without its new stadium now, it’s hard to imagine Oxfordshire without Oxford United, and the benefits that the club brings to the community - not to mention the pleasure and enjoyment that the club brings to its tens of thousands of supporters in Oxfordshire and around the world.

So while, as a supporter, I’m obviously keen to see a decision in favour of a new ground for Oxford United this Tuesday, I’m also certain that it will be the right decision for Oxfordshire. I therefore very much hope that the council will decide in favour of allowing development of ’The Triangle’ site as a new home for Oxford United.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email.

Perfectly put.

 

[Orkney Islands Yellow]

As an exile, it's a little difficult to know how to approach this, so I've gone for a slightly different angle:

Kia ora Liz

I’m an Oxford United supporter, currently exiled in Dunedin, New Zealand.

It’s impossible not to see parallels between the decision facing Oxfordshire County Council on 24th January, and the one that faced Dunedin not so long ago.

Dunedin is a university city, with a similar population to Oxford. In the early 2000s, it became apparent that the main sports stadium (Carisbrook) was no longer fit for purpose, and that if top level sport (eg, All Blacks test matches) was to continue in Dunedin, a new stadium would be required. Inevitably there was a period of intense debate about how this would be achieved, and whether it was even necessary.

Long story short, in 2011 Dunedin got a state-of-the-art new stadium, which more than 10 years later is still the envy of the rest of New Zealand and a source of pride to the city. The economic benefit to the city has also been considerable - estimated at $300 million in the stadium’s first ten years.

Perhaps most importantly of all, the Dunedin’s stadium is an example of how a sports facility can work at the heart of the community - not just as a sports venue, but as a hub for everything from charity fundraisers, to family fun days, to Pacific cultural events, to beer and food festivals, and much more.

In the same way that it’s hard to imagine Dunedin without its new stadium now, it’s hard to imagine Oxfordshire without Oxford United, and the benefits that the club brings to the community - not to mention the pleasure and enjoyment that the club brings to its tens of thousands of supporters in Oxfordshire and around the world.

So while, as a supporter, I’m obviously keen to see a decision in favour of a new ground for Oxford United this Tuesday, I’m also certain that it will be the right decision for Oxfordshire. I therefore very much hope that the council will decide in favour of allowing development of ’The Triangle’ site as a new home for Oxford United.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email.

There's a lump in my throat again.

Why would a local authority not support its only professional sports club? Its unfathomable really.

 

[SupporttheTriangle]

Interesting that the supporters of Oxford United are out in force to let those who will be deciding on the future of our club on Tuesday. I was in Kidlington Centre yesterday and thought, if the people of Kidlington was so against this stadium, they would be out in force collecting signatures to present to the meeting on Tuesday, guess what? That’s right, not one sign of any protest or anyone from FofSB to be seen.

This should tell those cabinet members that the strength of feeling is overwhelming in favour of the new stadium being built, either on the triangle or Stratified Brake.

 

[DannyW]

I was really impressed with the Oxvox plea for support during the 'wasn't at the game'. I have sent the following to all councillors and also to Chris Williams (I couldn't find an email for Niall McWilliams) I have also sent it to Jerome Sale as it offers a different perspective on considerations. I haven't included my details on this post for reasons which I am sure you will appreciate. I had a 'Tesco' moment, 'every little......'


Dear All,
Inevitably, as a fan of Oxford united, I would of course wish to add my support to those who have already written. My position, however, is slightly different in that I am keen to point out that this club has helped many local young people over recent years.

The academy system, and numerous other initiatives have provided inclusion for many boys and girls, where perhaps, alternatives were few and far between. There are many disenfrachised young people in our county, suffering with a very wide range of difficulties. Speaking as a clinician I can categorically confirm that at least 6 of my patients have experienced direct benefit from the clubs' youth schemes.

I think that a sense of purpose and belonging is vital for so many children and young people, and although they may well not graduate through the ranks to professional contracts, the experience of being 'part of something important' can only have a positive influence.

I am keen to support any initiative to support mental health, children and young people in particular, as I see so many suffering from life changing difficulties.

As clinicians, there is a lot we can do, but as a community we can do a great deal more. In my view, Oxford United have a proven track record in their support of community initiatives and without them, I really would be concerned at the loss of opportunities this would cause.

I do hope that this email can be viewed favourably and I would be happy to provide any further information by way of clarification and support.

My kind regards,

Excellent just Excellent

 

[The mighty Aldo]

I was really impressed with the Oxvox plea for support during the 'wasn't at the game'. I have sent the following to all councillors and also to Chris Williams (I couldn't find an email for Niall McWilliams) I have also sent it to Jerome Sale as it offers a different perspective on considerations. I haven't included my details on this post for reasons which I am sure you will appreciate. I had a 'Tesco' moment, 'every little......'


Dear All,
Inevitably, as a fan of Oxford united, I would of course wish to add my support to those who have already written. My position, however, is slightly different in that I am keen to point out that this club has helped many local young people over recent years.

The academy system, and numerous other initiatives have provided inclusion for many boys and girls, where perhaps, alternatives were few and far between. There are many disenfrachised young people in our county, suffering with a very wide range of difficulties. Speaking as a clinician I can categorically confirm that at least 6 of my patients have experienced direct benefit from the clubs' youth schemes.

I think that a sense of purpose and belonging is vital for so many children and young people, and although they may well not graduate through the ranks to professional contracts, the experience of being 'part of something important' can only have a positive influence.

I am keen to support any initiative to support mental health, children and young people in particular, as I see so many suffering from life changing difficulties.

As clinicians, there is a lot we can do, but as a community we can do a great deal more. In my view, Oxford United have a proven track record in their support of community initiatives and without them, I really would be concerned at the loss of opportunities this would cause.

I do hope that this email can be viewed favourably and I would be happy to provide any further information by way of clarification and support.

My kind regards,

Superb

 

[YellowTaxi]

As an exile, it's a little difficult to know how to approach this, so I've gone for a slightly different angle:

Kia ora Liz

I’m an Oxford United supporter, currently exiled in Dunedin, New Zealand.

It’s impossible not to see parallels between the decision facing Oxfordshire County Council on 24th January, and the one that faced Dunedin not so long ago.

Dunedin is a university city, with a similar population to Oxford. In the early 2000s, it became apparent that the main sports stadium (Carisbrook) was no longer fit for purpose, and that if top level sport (eg, All Blacks test matches) was to continue in Dunedin, a new stadium would be required. Inevitably there was a period of intense debate about how this would be achieved, and whether it was even necessary.

Long story short, in 2011 Dunedin got a state-of-the-art new stadium, which more than 10 years later is still the envy of the rest of New Zealand and a source of pride to the city. The economic benefit to the city has also been considerable - estimated at $300 million in the stadium’s first ten years.

Perhaps most importantly of all, the Dunedin’s stadium is an example of how a sports facility can work at the heart of the community - not just as a sports venue, but as a hub for everything from charity fundraisers, to family fun days, to Pacific cultural events, to beer and food festivals, and much more.

In the same way that it’s hard to imagine Dunedin without its new stadium now, it’s hard to imagine Oxfordshire without Oxford United, and the benefits that the club brings to the community - not to mention the pleasure and enjoyment that the club brings to its tens of thousands of supporters in Oxfordshire and around the world.

So while, as a supporter, I’m obviously keen to see a decision in favour of a new ground for Oxford United this Tuesday, I’m also certain that it will be the right decision for Oxfordshire. I therefore very much hope that the council will decide in favour of allowing development of ’The Triangle’ site as a new home for Oxford United.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email.

Edit - added the picture as an image instead of an attachment (didn't include the picture in my email to Liz! )

View attachment 11808

excellent post- and just as I think supporters and OxVox should be putting the case for the stadium to the planning authorities as a community asset we should also ensure that the club delivers the huge promise that the Stadium could offer.

 

[Colin B]

Just listened to the Wasn't at the Game show on Radio Oxford.

Well done @bazzer9461 for calling out the Oxford Mail negativity and that they only seem to publish letters from those against the stadium. I think it probably put Jerome in a slightly difficult position, as he's supposed to remain impartial, and probably couldn't be seen to be criticising another local media outlet?

Also I was surprised to get a name check when Bazzer was talking to Jerome! It emphasised to me that, no matter that some of us may differ on certain things (and I've certainly had my differences with Bazzer in the past) on the stadium issue we are all very much on the same side, and want the same decision on Tuesday, and the same overall outcome.

Well done Bazzer, and thanks. SOS SOC.

 

[OX14]

excellent post- and just as I think supporters and OxVox should be putting the case for the stadium to the planning authorities as a community asset we should also ensure that the club delivers the huge promise that the Stadium could offer.

We need to see plans of what the stadium can offer. The only way we will see concrete plans is if the meeting on Tuesday goes through with a yes.

A consultation can come during the planning application stage when we know the full details.