The latest update is a positive step in our quest for a new home, most definitely.
That said, i'd like to understand further the deal structure around the purchasing of the freehold land, that the stadium is to sit on at the Triangle.
We are in our current predicament due to the football club being detached from the stadium, with a stadium owner who has no affiliation or care to do the right thing for OUFC. Currently, our owners are doing lots right but what is to say that they couldn't walk away in the future (eminently likely at some point given average ownership tenures in the UK) and we could end up with a situation whereby we are effectively renting a stadium, in similar circumstances to those that are in place now?
I'd like clear and concise detail from OUFC that shows the club is protected. Either at peppercorn rent in perpetuity/250 year lease etc or; by covenants being in place that state the stadium and football club cannot be two separate interties.
Should we be in a position whereby we are effectively leasing the stadium (again), then i think the club need to be transparent around what benefits OUFC are to receive. For example, will the club pay a peppercorn rent of £1 per annum? Will OUFC receive ALL match day revenue from the ancillary items and concourses, excluding the hotel and gym? Will the owners commit to a peppercorn rent and leasehold agreement to OUFC that is in perpetuity with no break clauses, unless OUFC become insolvent etc?
I am extremely hopeful that we will get the greenlight for the stadium and my goodness, it will not be before time to get away from Mr Kassam once and for all. But, i do hope the club and OxVox are asking the pertinent questions of our wealthy ownership group, to ensure the security of our football club, not for now or the next 20 years but for generations upon generations thereafter.