I see it as a very positive sign that we hear nothing. Buying land in and around Oxford is fraught with difficulty. As someone here said, most of the prime land is in the hands of the colleges and they dictate completely what happens within their scope of activity. Politically, the planning is almost as difficult. The two authorities (County and City) have been renowned for making life difficult unless you know which backs to scratch. I said as much to NMcW not so long ago and was greatly surprised by his reaction. I felt at the time that he was overconfident, that may have had some influence and led to both Zaki and Tiger admitting that "news by the end of the season" may have been a mistake.Are the chances of a Stadium breakthrough as bad as this? If the main people involved say nothing can we still be a bit optimistic?
Regarding your first paragraph about intentions add to that these investors wouldn’t be here at all if they at some point weren’t going to invest as that’s why they have made their money.We don't have any evidence, of course we don't. We don't know what their intentions are but, we don't know that they don't have some intent. To speculate about the direction the board is going to take is pointless.
My thoughts are based purely on what I see as a viable process of investement and development. I do not see the Kassam Stadium as a viable site for any meaningful return.
If some kindly benefactor pops up with £30 million and hands it over to OUFC, fine. That ain't going to happen.
Thohir didn't drift away, he entered politics in his own country, doesn't mean he won't be available to finance, partly or wholly, a development in this country which could make him a profit.
With Kassam I am not surprised- the guardian of the club....My understanding of the situation regarding the existing stadium is that all attempts to buy it have been exhausted.
This is now not an option.
The new stadium is being pursued, watereaton the target. This will take time.
Spot on.Regarding your first paragraph about intentions add to that these investors wouldn’t be here at all if they at some point weren’t going to invest as that’s why they have made their money.
We have no evidence except for their backgrounds. They are probably 'potential' investors depending on what plans can be worked out. If we have read the situation wrong and they are not, in fact, ever going to be significantly financially involved then you can can forget about buying, improving or building any stadium at all - current or new. Personally, I think that if that is the case and our only option is to re-sign another 25 year lease in five years time then we are up the creek without a propulsion device...But are these silent directors, hovering on the periphery, actually significant investors? What evidence do we have that they are about to pump millions into a project in the near future?
My understanding of the situation regarding the existing stadium is that all attempts to buy it have been exhausted.
This is now not an option.
The new stadium is being pursued, watereaton the target. This will take time.
My thoughts too.This might just be the most pertinent post in this thread.
My understanding of the situation regarding the existing stadium is that all attempts to buy it have been exhausted.
This is now not an option.
The new stadium is being pursued, watereaton the target. This will take time.
There do seem to be people who still think that Kassam is a reasonable man to deal with.It wouldn’t surprise me as Kassam would want to maximise his return on investment (not sure that’s the right wording!) by selling land for houses.
And to think there are still people/fans who think he cares about us. May be this is his way of caring e.g. allows us to escape from his shackles, but only to his gain AGAIN.
My understanding of the situation regarding the existing stadium is that all attempts to buy it have been exhausted.
This is now not an option.
The new stadium is being pursued, watereaton the target. This will take time.
Crikey it must of been a slow news weekend, people just going around in circles trying to convince themselves their theory is right, the club have said zilch.
Not convinced anyone has a theory really - just people musing about possibilities...Crikey it must of been a slow news weekend, people just going around in circles trying to convince themselves their theory is right, the club have said zilch.
He cant.Kassam is coming purely from a business point of view. No sentiment in business. From his point of view the football club is nothing but a tenant renting one of his properties & long term he can see that he can maximise his profits by obtaining planning permission for the site once the leases expires.