OUSP News

[Essexyellows]

"Fan engagement" needs work eh?

Ask us directly - not through filters.

Its easy enough now folk can "opt in" and then said filters become redundant.

 

[Osei Yaw]

These bits looks encouraging at least:

Half Season Review
TW acknowledged that the first half of season has been difficult, on and off the pitch.
The change in ownership took longer than anticipated, which led to some uncertainty.
The injury situation has had huge impact. On the pitch we can beat anybody in the
league on our day, but players are not consistently performing to their best and there
are clearly things that need working on.
The Board is not satisfied with current results on the pitch. For them it is a long-term
project, and planning for next season is already underway, including looking at team
structure.
TW confirmed that Mark Thomas is going to Derby, Grant Ferguson (GF) and TW are
recruiting his successor with a specialist agency.
GF and TW have a different approach to transfers with more emphasis on data and
always making a team decision.
Adam Benson (AB), new Chief Commercial / Marketing Officer is starting this week.


I'd be interested to know what 'team structure' means. I assume they're referring to the backroom and management side, rather than the playing side.

Also saying 'different approach' and 'emphasis on data' is pretty telling. Basically saying we haven't had an emphasis on that at all, so at least that's acknowledged.

 

[Steve Gilbert]

These bits looks encouraging at least:

Half Season Review
TW acknowledged that the first half of season has been difficult, on and off the pitch.
The change in ownership took longer than anticipated, which led to some uncertainty.
The injury situation has had huge impact. On the pitch we can beat anybody in the
league on our day, but players are not consistently performing to their best and there
are clearly things that need working on.
The Board is not satisfied with current results on the pitch. For them it is a long-term
project, and planning for next season is already underway, including looking at team
structure.
TW confirmed that Mark Thomas is going to Derby, Grant Ferguson (GF) and TW are
recruiting his successor with a specialist agency.
GF and TW have a different approach to transfers with more emphasis on data and
always making a team decision.
Adam Benson (AB), new Chief Commercial / Marketing Officer is starting this week.


I'd be interested to know what 'team structure' means. I assume they're referring to the backroom and management side, rather than the playing side.

Also saying 'different approach' and 'emphasis on data' is pretty telling. Basically saying we haven't had an emphasis on that at all, so at least that's acknowledged.

Going off last Thursday I thought it was apparent that the board want us to have a younger squad than what we have now which might come under the different structure.

To be honest the whole thing needs a restructure.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

"Fan engagement" needs work eh?

Ask us directly - not through filters.

Its easy enough now folk can "opt in" and then said filters become redundant.

Correct.

OUSP only created so they don’t have to openly communicate.

Whole thing a farce

 

[Manorlounger]

Correct.

OUSP only created so they don’t have to openly communicate.

Whole thing a farce

Incorrect. I was there at the incept and how the panel would work. It was set up with the intention of encouraging communication.

The Oxford United Supporters’ Panel exists to ensure regular structured dialogue between Oxford United Football Club and its fanbase to improve both the club and supporters’ experience.

The Panel is formed from representatives of independent supporters’ groups of Oxford
United and elected individual supporters in order to facilitate dialogue between the club and its supporters on matters of mutual interest.

The Panel is a consultative body and as such cannot take decisions which are binding on the club.

Where appropriate a poll of the panel’s views may be taken to inform debate and
assist the club in understanding supporter views.

The Panel consists of up to nine representatives, one of whom is nominated by the OxVox committee, and up to eight nominated by supporters.

There is a lot of hard work put in by the panel for nothing more than the satisfaction of helping.

 

[Scotchegg]

There are lots of things to be angry about as an Oxford United fan these days, but it's really unnecessary to constantly question the roles of those who represent OUSP in their own time to try to make things better for all of us.

 

[Essexyellows]

There are lots of things to be angry about as an Oxford United fan these days, but it's really unnecessary to constantly question the roles of those who represent OUSP in their own time to try to make things better for all of us.

No its not.

An undemocratic group of folk, created by the Club to tick a Crouch Report box, does not "make things better for all of us".

From the minutes..... "The first meeting to gain fan input is with a small group of fans before match against Barnsley." wonder who that was then?

Yes they are "trying" but what are they achieving?

Their time/energy could be better spent.

 

[Scotchegg]

No its not.

An undemocratic group of folk, created by the Club to tick a Crouch Report box, does not "make things better for all of us".

From the minutes..... "The first meeting to gain fan input is with a small group of fans before match against Barnsley." wonder who that was then?

Yes they are "trying" but what are they achieving?

Their time/energy could be better spent.

The small group of fans were those in the boxes as has been mentioned several times on here and not OUSP.

Good try though!

 

[WuTang]

"singing section" we've got one, its called the East stand.

To be fair, I have long campaigned for the East Stand to be "unreserved seating" for league games, of which barely a handful will sell out in a season. This would have been revolutionary when the Ultras were in full tilt. I still think it would benefit the atmosphere now and is worth trialling though.

If it were up to me to get the most out of the stadium and maximise the atmosphere, from an acoustics point of view it would all need changing. Away fans in the east stand (no segregation required too, bonus), this is acoustically the worst stand in the stadium. Then OUFC singers in the North stand nearest away fans, proximity would naturally improve atmosphere and low roof projects noise across the North and over to the South Stand. It would also project to the players at both ends of the ground, rather than only hearing away fans when they're playing in the "fence half".

It's a shame we didn't experiment over the years. I remember going to other stadiums as an away fan and being in a different stand every year.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

To be fair, I have long campaigned for the East Stand to be "unreserved seating" for league games, of which barely a handful will sell out in a season. This would have been revolutionary when the Ultras were in full tilt. I still think it would benefit the atmosphere now and is worth trialling though.

If it were up to me to get the most out of the stadium and maximise the atmosphere, from an acoustics point of view it would all need changing. Away fans in the east stand (no segregation required too, bonus), this is acoustically the worst stand in the stadium. Then OUFC singers in the North stand nearest away fans, proximity would naturally improve atmosphere and low roof projects noise across the North and over to the South Stand. It would also project to the players at both ends of the ground, rather than only hearing away fans when they're playing in the "fence half".

It's a shame we didn't experiment over the years. I remember going to other stadiums as an away fan and being in a different stand every year.

Spot on.

Lincoln best example of this.

 

[LowerSouth]

To be fair, I have long campaigned for the East Stand to be "unreserved seating" for league games, of which barely a handful will sell out in a season. This would have been revolutionary when the Ultras were in full tilt. I still think it would benefit the atmosphere now and is worth trialling though.

If it were up to me to get the most out of the stadium and maximise the atmosphere, from an acoustics point of view it would all need changing. Away fans in the east stand (no segregation required too, bonus), this is acoustically the worst stand in the stadium. Then OUFC singers in the North stand nearest away fans, proximity would naturally improve atmosphere and low roof projects noise across the North and over to the South Stand. It would also project to the players at both ends of the ground, rather than only hearing away fans when they're playing in the "fence half".

It's a shame we didn't experiment over the years. I remember going to other stadiums as an away fan and being in a different stand every year.

I made a similar point in a previous discussion.
Your absolutely spot on .

 

[OUSP]

Tim Williams meeting update

mailchi.mp

 

[oufc1991]

In all due respect that meeting was funny from those notes we've discovered that GF is hiding away from the football club, he was supposed to be in the country this month not next and ousp don't have any feelings about what is happening with this football club because of they speak their mind they might not get a little meeting next time

Good work keep it up

 

[Scotchegg]

I'm sure that individually OUSP have feelings about what is happening, and Janine spoke well on Rad Ox about her concerns. But it's not within their remit to be openly calling for changes as OxVox haven't. The criticism that OUSP get from some is unfair and should be directed at the club, not fellow supporters.

 

[Manorlounger]

In all due respect that meeting was funny from those notes we've discovered that GF is hiding away from the football club, he was supposed to be in the country this month not next and ousp don't have any feelings about what is happening with this football club because of they speak their mind they might not get a little meeting next time

Good work keep it up

So. tell us, what is it you do for your fellow supporters? How do you provide support for travelling fans, what is it you do to highlight the needs of the less able bodied supporters, what support do you bring to the cause of "her game too"? When did you last raise the issue of the potholes in the car park, the leaking toilets, the lack of sanitary products in the ladies toilets? When did you last speak to the club with constructive dialogue to improve ticket sales, merchandise etc? When did you address the issue of allocated seating at away games? When did you petition for a specified area for unallocated safe standing for fans behind the goal?

No, they don't get involved with the personnel arrangements of the club, they were never going to, in exactly the same way that OxVox will not involve itself and, has made abundantly clear.

 

[Paul Cannell]

Squirrels aside, though.

The avowed purpose of OUSP is (Terms of reference for OUSP) is:

"1. Purpose
The Oxford United Supporters’ Panel (“the Panel” also known as “OUSP”) exists to ensure regular structured dialogue between Oxford United Football Club (“the Club”) and its fanbase to improve both the club and supporters’ experience."

Apologies if I've missed the point here, but the major factor affecting "supporters" (should be "customers", surely?) is the performance of the First Team? I appreciate that recommendations and comments about staff are outside the remit of the OUSP but has the OUSP given any indication to the club that some of the customers are becoming a little disgruntled, or suggested the causes thereof? OxVox has.

PS. Where's the quote about "not concerned in team matters" from?

 

[Manorlounger]

Squirrels aside, though.

The avowed purpose of OUSP is (Terms of reference for OUSP) is:

"1. Purpose
The Oxford United Supporters’ Panel (“the Panel” also known as “OUSP”) exists to ensure regular structured dialogue between Oxford United Football Club (“the Club”) and its fanbase to improve both the club and supporters’ experience."

Apologies if I've missed the point here, but the major factor affecting "supporters" (should be "customers", surely?) is the performance of the First Team? I appreciate that recommendations and comments about staff are outside the remit of the OUSP but has the OUSP given any indication to the club that some of the customers are becoming a little disgruntled, or suggested the causes thereof? OxVox has.

PS. Where's the quote about "not concerned in team matters" from?

Tim Williams meeting update

mailchi.mp

Excerpt from the above update:

Recent poor perfomances have been difficult for all supporters to watch, and have led to calls for OUSP to make a statement regarding the manager. This would not be appropriate for two reasons. Firstly, there is a wide range of opinions across the fan base and it is impossible to take a stance which fairly reflects this range. Secondly, OUSP’s set up specifically states that we are “not concerned with team matters such as player recruitment and selection; details of personal employment contracts entered into by the Club; or football management appointments.”
Nonetheless, we are aware of fans’ concerns and do feed these back to the club on a regular basis.

 

[oufcbenjyp]

I'm not sure your excerpt still holds water. You say that 'there is a wide range of opinions across the fan base' regarding the manager'. Are there? I would say that even the most die-hard OUFC supporter is now firmly in the KR OUT camp. So if all supporters now believe this then surely the onus is on OUSP to speak to the club AND voice their concerns in a more public manner? Secondly, OUSP was set up to 'improve both the club and the supporters' experience'. Sad to say that in the last few years 'results' have been the only thing bringing me to watch home games. It's certainly not the match-day 'experience' - I tend now to turn up approximately 10 minutes before kick off and I'm leaving on the final whistle - there is nothing in or around the ground encouraging me to stay a minute longer. The food and drink offering is underwhelming and the facilities are a health hazard (admittedly not a club issue but def one for the stadium owners). If those 'results' have all but evaporated then so too does my experience - the two are inextricably linked. The only thing keeping me coming back is the legacy of 40 years' as a supporter. The supporter experience must be linked to results on the pitch and, ergo, the performance of the team and management. I don't see how OUSP can stand by and say nothing unless it's because they don't want to upset the apple cart - if that is the case then they only really represent the club rather than its supporters.

 

[LowerSouth]

I'm not sure your excerpt still holds water. You say that 'there is a wide range of opinions across the fan base' regarding the manager'. Are there? I would say that even the most die-hard OUFC supporter is now firmly in the KR OUT camp. So if all supporters now believe this then surely the onus is on OUSP to speak to the club AND voice their concerns in a more public manner? Secondly, OUSP was set up to 'improve both the club and the supporters' experience'. Sad to say that in the last few years 'results' have been the only thing bringing me to watch home games. It's certainly not the match-day 'experience' - I tend now to turn up approximately 10 minutes before kick off and I'm leaving on the final whistle - there is nothing in or around the ground encouraging me to stay a minute longer. The food and drink offering is underwhelming and the facilities are a health hazard (admittedly not a club issue but def one for the stadium owners). If those 'results' have all but evaporated then so too does my experience - the two are inextricably linked. The only thing keeping me coming back is the legacy of 40 years' as a supporter. The supporter experience must be linked to results on the pitch and, ergo, the performance of the team and management. I don't see how OUSP can stand by and say nothing unless it's because they don't want to upset the apple cart - if that is the case then they only really represent the club rather than its supporters.

Points well made.
But expressly suggesting that a player,official or manager be dismissed,appears to be outside of the supporters panels remit .

 

[oufcbenjyp]

Points well made.
But expressly suggesting that a player,official or manager be dismissed,appears to be outside of the supporters panels remit .

Is it though? Is it outside the remit if the supporters' experience is being negatively impacted?