Fan's View 18/19 - Burton at home
- Thread starter Paul B
- Start date
Level: Callum O'Dowda
Thanks Paul, great write up of "Behind the scenes" and the match.
I really enjoyed the Eales era, he generated vibrancy for the club. What we will never know is how much of not being able to buy the ground, and "Kassam being Kassam" led to Darryl moving on. The big worry re the non-footballing side of the club must be the ground. The clock is ticking re the end of the lease, there will only be one winner when the lease is renewed and in the run up to the renewal date. I believe Jem made some progress but it is as if Kassam strings everyone along, and then it all starts again with new Chairman, probably with Kassam being charming, time delay tactics and then refusing to negotiate anything sensible in favour of the club.
The game, entertaining, good in patches and some green shoots of optimism but Burton were poor so I think we need to be realistic whether our on the pitch problems are being solved, but certainly step in right direction.
I really enjoyed the Eales era, he generated vibrancy for the club. What we will never know is how much of not being able to buy the ground, and "Kassam being Kassam" led to Darryl moving on. The big worry re the non-footballing side of the club must be the ground. The clock is ticking re the end of the lease, there will only be one winner when the lease is renewed and in the run up to the renewal date. I believe Jem made some progress but it is as if Kassam strings everyone along, and then it all starts again with new Chairman, probably with Kassam being charming, time delay tactics and then refusing to negotiate anything sensible in favour of the club.
The game, entertaining, good in patches and some green shoots of optimism but Burton were poor so I think we need to be realistic whether our on the pitch problems are being solved, but certainly step in right direction.
Manorlounger
Level: Les Phillips
(224 Apps, 15 Gls)
Good read as always Paul. I would say though, that Brannigan and Hanson, for my money, did play their part. Granted, both were overshadowed by Browne, Whyte and Henry (and later, to an extent by Holmes) but, I think they made the midfield a less than easy place for Burton.
As for Eales, I sit in the camp that believes he became aware that there was no easy profit to be made and sought to recoup his outlay without devaluing his initial investment. He has achieved that with interest, actually making a little profit on what must have appeared to be a lost cause!
As for Eales, I sit in the camp that believes he became aware that there was no easy profit to be made and sought to recoup his outlay without devaluing his initial investment. He has achieved that with interest, actually making a little profit on what must have appeared to be a lost cause!
Paul B
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
Agree about Brannigan & Hanson. I was getting at that unsung hero thing. Doing the hard graft unnoticed (to my untrained eye).
As for DE actually making any money you will be more in the know than me or have bothered to check what info is out there. I don't know how much he bought his shares for and what he sold them for. Or what he put in / took out during his time here.
Manorlounger
Level: Les Phillips
(224 Apps, 15 Gls)
I doubt anyone will ever discover the exact figures but, judging by the company accounts and scanning through the various set ups of the companies that Eales "owns", it is apparent that he has covered all his outlay and, with the charge held over the club for approximately £4.2 million, he can expect a very reasonable return. He still has a substantial shareholding in OUFC Ltd. which is Tiger's holding company for his investment. These are, of course, no guaranteed investment but will always have a resale value in terms of control over the club.
Whether the present set up is better than the proffered one from Sartori, I have no idea. Or, for that matter, which would have been better for OUFC.
Whether the present set up is better than the proffered one from Sartori, I have no idea. Or, for that matter, which would have been better for OUFC.
Foley
Level: Colin Harrington
(260 Apps, 30 Gls)
Excellent as usual Paul.
I do tend to think that as you say the number 9 does a lot more than score and the 3 goals yesterday shows that the goals can be shared around this team.
I am a little surprised that you didn't mention Mr Kettle a little more. I'm my view his first half performance was shocking. It was all about him and he was blowing up for all kind of 50 50 challenges ruining the game in my view.
I do tend to think that as you say the number 9 does a lot more than score and the 3 goals yesterday shows that the goals can be shared around this team.
I am a little surprised that you didn't mention Mr Kettle a little more. I'm my view his first half performance was shocking. It was all about him and he was blowing up for all kind of 50 50 challenges ruining the game in my view.
Big Ronaldo
Level: John Aldridge
(141 Apps, 90 Gls)
Thanks for the write up again Paul.
As you might be aware, Oxford Uniteds walking football team is doing rather well too.??
As you might be aware, Oxford Uniteds walking football team is doing rather well too.??
Foley
Level: Colin Harrington
(260 Apps, 30 Gls)
When the licence expires my understanding is that it renews automatically on the same terms.
Based on that it isn't as complexes there being one winner
arthurturner
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
The Licence expires on 21 March 2026. It does not renew automatically. The Club has the right to renew it (once) on identical terms.
MJB
Level: Les Phillips
(224 Apps, 15 Gls)
Presumably they’re walking it.
Reminds me of my early days as an Oxford fan watching Denis Smith's team in the early-to-mid-90s; despite MApp's best efforts, no OUFC team since has been as good. And the midfield for that team - Martin Gray & Dave Smith - hardly ever did anything flashy or noticeable. Just worked hard, broke up the opposition play and moved it simply to the talented wingers and forwards. We never got a ton of goals or assists from the centre of midfield - but we never lost the midfield battle either.
If Brannagan & Hanson can do the same, then all will be well in OUFC's world......
Paul B
Level: Callum O'Dowda
(106 Apps, 14 Gls)
RE Trevor Kettle - someone made the very same comment on Facebook. My response was - I get to the point most weeks when I've just written enough (too much for some). Trevor Kettle has been done to death over the years it's got a bit boring now but is almost a given.
Doubt it - I don't think any so called walking football team that doesn't do a bit of running would get anywhere near winning anything.
