I completely understand the confusion and lack of trust.
Id like to try and address a few things to hopefully help us all move on.
The Oxford Fanatics were created to fill the gap by the Oxford Ultras ending a few years of incredible influence on the atmosphere and colour they brought. The name came about during early discussions as a way of the group connecting with the fanbase as we are all Oxford fanatics in our own way. I brought some fans together and I helped them build things initially and I made sure everything was done right.
For mental health reasons and to be more present with my children, I stepped back and left it to others to take the group forward. The Arsenal display was their first without my guidance. I took a complete break from football related stuff, until OUSP mentioned earlier this season that some issues and questions had arisen regarded financial contributions from fans.
I looked into what had gone on, what was or wasn't true, and made sure that 'Fanatics' finances came back under my control again so I could get a grip on things. At one point, as I was angry and upset, I decided the 'Fanatics' should be replaced by a brand new group to help us start again and move forward. But after giving it a lot of thought, I felt that the hard work to create a group and the reasons for the name 'Fanatics', I would rebuild the Oxford Fanatics were created to be a group that belongs to Oxford fans, and they are who matter the most. I brought a new group of lads together and made sure strict rules were understood and needed to be followed. I want to make it clear no money ever went missing. Certain things didn't happen as they should have and a lack of communication only added to the suspicion and uncertainty around it all.
It has been an exhausting few months, and I admit I haven't got everything right. But my whole intention, and I use I instead of we so I take full responsibility for what went on before, and what happens in the future, to allow a passionate group of fans thrive as we try and build a stronger connection with the team, our club and fanbase. A 'United Oxford' is something I've been working on right across our fanbase and football club, and openly playing out some of the negatives that have happened, I felt wasn't the right thing to do as we look at building positivity, belief, unity and atmosphere. It's been toxic at times this season, but we have turned that around.
As for some of the new group putting their own money in for Saturday to make up for previous mistakes associated with the 'Fanatics' that had nothing to do with them, this was to try and show their commitment to a new era and make an effort to try and show they care about doing things right.
Previously donated money that is unspent will be put towards new flags and banners in the summer, and the first game of next season to start the season with a bang and to show this group will not only make up for what went before, but will do things bigger and better than was originally planned.
A busy few weeks ahead (hopefully) when a United Oxford will be vital to help us be successful. Once the season is over, we will work with OUSP so everything is in order and they can be satisfied that every penny donated in the past and present is accounted for and has been spent correctly.
Hopefully that clears some things up. I have a lot going on and planning for every eventuality. But please message me with any questions and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
COYY
