I've said all of this before. It just feels like the tone of these two statements have been a little defensive and I just felt that they could have been presented in a more positive way. Nothing to panic about, just my opinion!
Knowing a little more than the average bear, I'm not sure there is any hostility amongst the board, and I believe Tiger is readily welcoming greater investment, but to me, that statement sounds a little defensive.
On the back of the Oxvox statement of denial, I wonder if saying nothing may have been more appropriate rather than saying something that creates speculation. Although, as the only one raising this, maybe it's just my perspective and an unusually negative one at that!! That lost hour must be creeping up on me!!!
I don't see the statement from Oxvox as a 'denial' far more a confirmation that they don't know anymore than the rest of us. They are aware, as are we all, that plans for the future involve the stadium. They are aware that that could be a new stadium or maybe the existing (although we are mostly of the opinion that the club will move) But, as you know more than us (and them) perhaps you could enlighten us all? Or, is it just your 'opinion' that you know more?
Oxvox:
We will of course keep you updated with everything we know but it is important to reiterate that we feel communication with all levels of the club is vital and we are working hard to speak to all members of the board and get a clearer picture of not only this potential deal, but their plans moving forward. We have made it clear to the club that fans deserve more for their unwavering support in this difficult year than to be kept in the dark over such important issues and we continue to press them for greater clarity.
While we are not privy to every meeting or conversation involved it is still our strong understanding that no site is confirmed and that all options regarding how the club move forward, including development of the Kassam stadium, are still being considered.
I believe Oxvox have been open and honest about the situation. They have not, as yet it appears, been made party to the discussions ongoing. The club have, via a coordinated press 'leak' made it known that discussions are happening and it was fairly straightforward for some of us to get more detail by a few minutes googling and reading. Sometimes it is not prudent to reveal the extent of negotiations nor wise to admit, sometimes, that they are even taking place. The facts are that the club has cleared all 'charges' against the club, all debts have been settled and following cash input from the shareholders, the club is showing a positive balance on the books.
The implications of a change in majority share holding are that the major players in the development (stadium) partnership want to take the lead in where the club is going and how much that is going to cost them. All fairly sensible. The difference is how those people conduct themselves in this sort of area. None of them would wish for their financial affairs to be discussed in public. It is understandable that, as supporters, we are more 'possessive' of 'our' club and demand to know more, of course, we are not entitled to know but we still insist. It is one of those "in the fullness of time" events.
It must be infuriating that your mate (Boo Boo?) at the club has got nothing to tell you, factual or otherwise, at this time.
Anyway, take care and watch out for Ranger Smith.
