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General The Board & Senior Management

tatabanya said:
He’s our new Chairman and it’s been announced like he is taking on a the role of Olly the Ox.
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If this all goes tits up this brilliant line above could go down in the infamous history of the club along side Ka$$am's taking us on a 'journey' quote. 😰
 
Manorlounger said:
Top work @SwissYellow .

The summer will,indeed, give an indication of where we, as a club, are heading.
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Gemini, could be absolutley wrong btw - I'm not taking any credit for any accuracy.

Gemini also recently told me to turn up to Bicester North Station for a train that didn't exist and never had existed....have that as a warning
 
I'm naturally quite optimistic, and so hope that the positives of @SwissYellow Gemini research come to fruition.

However, this does give me distinct 'Marselino and Romeny sign new 8-year deals' vibes.

I suspect that getting an academy side promoted (when our U18s and U21s both won their respective leagues this season anyway) in the Indonesian league probably doesn't prepare anyone for getting a side promoted from League One.

The same logic is also true of his supposed transfer, contract and negotiation skills. He sounds like a pretty big deal in Indonesia and so probably doesn't have very much trouble picking up the brightest young Indonesian talent, but he may find it a different kettle of fish here where the best young players have far more clubs after them.

Sadly this does smack of opening up more pathways for young talent from Indonesia to come and play in the UK, with little apparent recognition that two of their current brightest stars have so far failed to show they're capable of making the grade.
 
The positive angle is that agents don't appear to get messed around; they presumably have a level of ruthlessness and business acumen to get the best deal for their client. Going into a summer transfer window with an agent as Chair hopefully helps to protect our saleable assets (or we get decent money for them), helps us in negotiating better deals for prospective transfer targets.

The negative side of the appointment is that it looks like there is little/no experience with players or clubs in the league(s) we will be plying our trade in over the next few seasons. He's based in Indonesia, miles away from where he can have decent oversight. There is a potential for a conflict of interest in terms of potential Indonesian internationals finding their way to OUFC when they are clearly not up to L1 football.
 
carefreeoufc said:
The positive angle is that agents don't appear to get messed around; they presumably have a level of ruthlessness and business acumen to get the best deal for their client. Going into a summer transfer window with an agent as Chair hopefully helps to protect our saleable assets (or we get decent money for them), helps us in negotiating better deals for prospective transfer targets.

The negative side of the appointment is that it looks like there is little/no experience with players or clubs in the league(s) we will be plying our trade in over the next few seasons. He's based in Indonesia, miles away from where he can have decent oversight. There is a potential for a conflict of interest in terms of potential Indonesian internationals finding their way to OUFC when they are clearly not up to L1 football.
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Agents also tend to deal in favours
 
SwissYellow said:
Now for the Gemini Detective to let loose on Dusan

Following the appointment of Dusan Bogdanovic as the new Chairman of Oxford United on May 6, 2026, a "detective’s deep dive" reveals a figure who is the definition of a high-level sporting intermediary—connected, strategically placed, and largely operating in the "broker" space between Asia and Europe.




Here is the investigation into his background, his methods, and the risks/rewards he brings to the U's.

1. The Dossier: Who is Dusan Bogdanovic?​

Unlike the famous Serbian guitarist of the same name, this Dusan Bogdanovic is a veteran of the football industry who specializes in the nexus between Indonesian capital and European infrastructure.

  • The Power Broker: He has spent years as a prominent football agent and executive in Indonesia. He is the CEO of the Garudayaksa Academy, a prestigious Indonesian foundation that recently saw its team win promotion to the top tier of Indonesian football.



  • The Agent Roots: He is closely associated with Level Up Asia, an agency representing high-profile Indonesian talent like Marselino Ferdinan. This background is critical: it means he isn't just an "executive"; he is a man who knows the transfer market, player values, and contract negotiations from the inside out.



  • The "Inner Circle": He is a trusted associate of Erick Thohir (Oxford owner and President of the Indonesian FA). He has been seen in high-level meetings with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, suggesting he moves in the highest circles of global football politics.

2. The Positives: Why he was chosen​

Bogdanovic isn't just a figurehead; he is an "operational" Chairman brought in to fix specific issues following Oxford's relegation.

  • Deep Football Intelligence: Unlike many chairmen who come from pure finance (like his predecessor Grant Ferguson), Bogdanovic speaks the language of the locker room and the scouting department. His agent background gives him a "nose" for talent and market value.
  • Direct Pipeline to the Owner: His appointment signals that Erick Thohir wants "his guy" on the ground. This often leads to faster decision-making and more direct access to the owner's investment funds.
  • Governance Specialist: Despite being an agent, he is credited with professionalizing the Garudayaksa Academy, turning it into a successful competitive entity. He is seen as someone who can build a "football factory" rather than just a club.

3. The Negatives & Risks: The Detective's Concerns​

Any thorough investigation must look at the potential friction points.

  • The "Agent" Conflict: In English football, fans are often wary of "agent-heavy" club leadership (similar to the Jorge Mendes/Wolves relationship). There is always a concern that the club might be used as a shop window for specific agencies or players rather than focusing on the local community.
  • Remote Perception: While he has "extensive experience," much of it is in the Asian and Eastern European markets. He will need to prove he understands the unique, gritty reality of League One and the English "football pyramid," which is notoriously difficult for outsiders to navigate.
  • Replacing a "Safe" Pair of Hands: Grant Ferguson was generally respected for guiding the club through promotion. Replacing him after a relegation puts Bogdanovic under immediate pressure—if the club doesn't bounce back instantly, the "Indonesian takeover" narrative could turn from supportive to skeptical.

4. Financial State & Popularity​

  • Wealth: Bogdanovic does not have "tycoon" level wealth like Thohir or Bakrie, but he is independently successful through his agency and executive roles. He is at Oxford to manage money, not necessarily to provide it.
  • Vibe Check: Currently, he is a mystery to the average Oxford fan. He is seen as a "serious professional," but he lacks the local "vibe" that many English fanbases crave. He is a corporate-athletic hybrid—well-dressed, articulate, and focused on "strategic direction."

Final Verdict​

Status: The "Clinical Rebuilder."

Dusan Bogdanovic is not a sentimental choice. He is a surgical choice. Following relegation, the owners have moved away from "stewardship" (Ferguson) and toward "football operations" (Bogdanovic). He is there to ensure that every pound spent on players is efficient and that the club’s scouting network expands globally.
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With his links to Infantino we should be fine, might even get us into the World Cup in June if Iran drop out.
 
I've got mixed feelings about it.

On the plus side, I think Thohir is heavily invested. He seems to be much more involved over the last 12 months. I don't think we will ever get to the truth around what happened with last summer's transfer budget, but it does look like the money came through again in the January window this year. The thing that changed between summer and January windows was Thohir taking overall control, and a couple of new faces who are very much his men reassures he is in this for getting the stadium done, which is clearly the biggest thing regarding the future of our club.

On the other hand, what is good for Thohir isn't necessarily good for OUFC. He's clearly committed to improving the fortunes of Indonesian football and we're a vehicle for that. The outlays on Romeny and Marselino significantly outweigh their contributions on the pitch and I doubt very much it's been made up by shirt sales off it. The Indonesia tour was an absolute disaster. It contributed to our poor start to last season and made Rowett's job harder, and therefore is reasonable to consider it a contributer to our relegation. Perhaps in 5 years time we'll look at those things as necessary to getting us revenue streams from the East that help support us at a higher league. But that's merely wishful thinking.

With that in mind it's hard not to be sceptical of the new Chair, particularly because he appears to have a financial stake in Indonesian football. Is he really going to be against more Romeny's or Marselino's arriving? Is he likely to be against another pre-season on the other side of the world to play in a monsoon against some hatchet men?

On the face of it, Bogdanovic's appointment is a concern. I feel a bit more certain about Laksmana given his previous at Inter Milan, but he too is here for Thohir first and foremost. A billionaire owning a football club and using them to further their own agenda is hardly a new thing. We've already suffered from some of the trade offs, and I don't think we have a choice but to accept this is the price, as we're nothing about Thohir's money.

Just got to hope this is all part of some grand plan that makes us more sustainable in the long term. It's going to be an interesting summer.
 
SwissYellow said:
Final Verdict
Bogdanovic and Laksmana have been sent to Oxford to perform a "Hard Reset."

  • Bogdanovic will handle the scouting, the manager, and the players.
  • Laksmana will handle the books, the stadium strategy, and the corporate synergy.
The Risk: It looks like a "corporate takeover" of a community club.The Reward: It brings "Champions League level" executive experience to the third tier of English football.
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Quite concerning analysis, or nonsense.

OUFC hasn't been a community since Tim Williams & Grant arrived; rich man's plaything.

WTF is "Champions League Level" experience, Champions League contacts, more like. No idea whether Bogdanovitch handling Scouting, manager & players is a metaphor for Romeny leading the attack. I fear it might be.
 
Paul Cannell said:
OUFC hasn't been a community since Tim Williams & Grant arrived; rich man's plaything.
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By that measure, OUFC has never been a community club. Before Thohir there was Tiger, before him Darryl Eales, before him the Lenagans, before them Kassam, before him Robin Herd, Biomass, Maxwells...
 
Boris said:
By that measure, OUFC has never been a community club. Before Thohir there was Tiger, before him Darryl Eales, before him the Lenagans, before them Kassam, before him Robin Herd, Biomass, Maxwells...
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Fair point. I was disagreeing with the AI assertion that the club becomes 'not a community club' with the arrival of Erick's new placemen. I always think of Slippery the feckless chancer and Lenegan the philanthropist as kind of bumbling community landlords.
 
I’d be interested in knowing if this has been in the planning for sometime and was always gong to happen at this time regardless of which division we find ourselves or has relegation triggered it?

Will the Head of Recruitment Scott Mitchell be replaced like for like?

Will Bogdanovic take a much more hands on role in recruitment than the previous Chairman?
 
"Laksmana will handle the books, the stadium strategy, and the corporate synergy."

Is this not Tim Williams role?
 
Boris said:
By that measure, OUFC has never been a community club. Before Thohir there was Tiger, before him Darryl Eales, before him the Lenagans, before them Kassam, before him Robin Herd, Biomass, Maxwells...
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I'd forgotten all about Biomass. Very odd in retrospect, why on earth did they buy OUFC?
 
northstandboy said:
www.oufc.co.uk

Oxford United Confirms Board and Chair Update | Oxford United Football Club

Oxford United can confirm changes to its Board, with the appointment of two directors and a new Chair.
www.oufc.co.uk www.oufc.co.uk

Oxford United Football Club has confirmed changes to its Board, with the appointment of Rudi Laksmana and Dusan Bogdanovic as directors, effective immediately.

As part of the changes, Dusan Bogdanovic has been appointed Chair, succeeding Grant Ferguson, who steps down from the role after four years but will remain on the Board. The Club thanks Grant for his leadership and contribution during a period of significant progress.

The appointments reflect Oxford United’s continued focus on strengthening leadership, governance and long‑term strategy as the Club looks positively to the future.

Following these changes, the Board comprises Anindya Bakrie, Grant Ferguson, Rudi Laksmana, Dusan Bogdanovic (Chair) and Sumrith “Tiger” Thanakarnjanasuth.

Who is Dusan Bogdanovic - New Chairman
View attachment 35192
​
Dusan Bogdanovic is an international sports executive and football‑industry specialist with extensive experience across club governance, player representation and strategic sports management.

Bogdanovic has built his career in professional football management, having held senior roles with sports agencies and management groups operating across Europe and Asia. He has worked as Head of Sports at Level Up Asia and later as Owner/CEO of Level Up Asia, overseeing football‑related commercial strategy, player pathways and partnerships.

He has also served in executive positions at SB Sport Agency and Playerhunter Indonesia, organisations involved in player representation, talent development and club services, giving him hands‑on experience across recruitment, performance structures and football operations.

Bogdanovic is a multi‑lingual executive educated in business management and sports business, including study at the Sports Business Institute in Barcelona, strengthening his governance, commercial and regulatory expertise within elite sport.

Who is Rudi Laksmana
View attachment 35194
​
Rudi Laksmana is an Indonesian business executive with extensive experience in media, finance and corporate governance. He is a senior leader within Mahaka Group, a major Indonesian media and investment group of which Erick Thohir is the founder.

He has been involved as a director of Oxford Park Developments Limited, the company connected to Oxford United training ground and infrastructure projects.
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Just a change of Thohir executives, feels like Grant is being sidelined for a more sports based executive rather than a financial support executive.
Time will tell but it could be argued this is a response to the team that hired Bloomfield being broken up on the perceived failure of relegation and all the financial ramifications that come with it.
 
38yearsofpain said:
Just a change of Thohir executives, feels like Grant is being sidelined for a more sports based executive rather than a financial support executive.
Time will tell but it could be argued this is a response to the team that hired Bloomfield being broken up on the perceived failure of relegation and all the financial ramifications that come with it.
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Surely the manager would be the first to go if that were the case?
 
SwissYellow said:
Gemini, could be absolutley wrong btw - I'm not taking any credit for any accuracy.

Gemini also recently told me to turn up to Bicester North Station for a train that didn't exist and never had existed....have that as a warning
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BicesterU said:
I'm naturally quite optimistic, and so hope that the positives of @SwissYellow Gemini research come to fruition.

However, this does give me distinct 'Marselino and Romeny sign new 8-year deals' vibes.

I suspect that getting an academy side promoted (when our U18s and U21s both won their respective leagues this season anyway) in the Indonesian league probably doesn't prepare anyone for getting a side promoted from League One.

The same logic is also true of his supposed transfer, contract and negotiation skills. He sounds like a pretty big deal in Indonesia and so probably doesn't have very much trouble picking up the brightest young Indonesian talent, but he may find it a different kettle of fish here where the best young players have far more clubs after them.

Sadly this does smack of opening up more pathways for young talent from Indonesia to come and play in the UK, with little apparent recognition that two of their current brightest stars have so far failed to show they're capable of making the grade.
Click to expand...
This will rather depend on how the shareholders see the role of the Board. In a UK public company, and larger private companies the Board of Directors hold the CEO, CFO and Exec Team to account for delivery of the strategy, legal compliance, regulatory compliance, financial performance, etc. The Board manages upwards (shareholders) and outwards (key stakeholders, senior regulators). (I should make it clear that I see the supporters as key stakeholders).
The CEO manages downwards to ensure that the plans deliver the strategy, manage identified risks, ensure legal and regulatory compliance, and provide accurate reporting.
So I would expect a new Chairman to take a keen interest in the recruitment strategy and plan, but the CEO and Exec Team would have the day to day responsibility for delivering it.
That's why Directors are usually part-time and operate remotely.
Unless the shareholders and funders want the BoD to be more hands on.
If things have gone badly awry they might want to spend time having the drains up to understand how it works in detail. If, for the shareholders, things are reasonably on track then they might not.
I, personally, would want to spend time with the Exec Team to understand how it all works (or doesn't) but Erick might see their role as more hands off.

The strategy and objectives that they are tasked to deliver might not exactly coincide with the average supporter but let's hope that there is significant overlap. I doubt if Erick's motives, or any other owner in the EFL/PL, are completely altruistic. And it's his money that is funding the club.
 
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38yearsofpain said:
Just a change of Thohir executives, feels like Grant is being sidelined for a more sports based executive rather than a financial support executive.
Time will tell but it could be argued this is a response to the team that hired Bloomfield being broken up on the perceived failure of relegation and all the financial ramifications that come with it.
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Nothing to do with relegation, this would have happened anyway
 
SwissYellow said:
Final Q, what about them as a duo:

This is where the "detective work" gets interesting. The relationship between Dusan Bogdanovic and Rudi Laksmana isn't just a coincidence of two new board members; it is a calculated "Double Pivot" by the owner, Erick Thohir, to reset the club after relegation.

Think of them as a two-man task force with very different, but complementary, skill sets.

1. The Dynamic: "The Scout" vs. "The Auditor"​

While they are now colleagues on the Oxford United board, their backgrounds suggest a "Check and Balance" relationship:

  • Dusan Bogdanovic (The New Chairman): He is the football operator. His background as a high-level agent (Level Up Asia) and CEO of the Garudayaksa Academy means he knows how to find players, negotiate contracts, and navigate the "dark arts" of the transfer market. He is there to fix the product on the pitch.



  • Rudi Laksmana (The Director): He is the financial strategist. With his background at Mahaka X and Inter Milan, he is the "money man." His job is to ensure that whatever Bogdanovic wants to do in the transfer market is financially sustainable and aligned with the owner's long-term corporate vision.

2. The Investigation: Positives vs. Negatives​

The Positives (The "Dream Team" Argument)​

  • The "Thohir Trust": Both men are in Erick Thohir’s innermost circle. This is a massive positive for Oxford because it suggests the owner isn't just "paying attention"—he’s deploying his most trusted generals.
  • Proven Track Record of Success: Just weeks before joining Oxford, Bogdanovic’s Garudayaksa Academy team won promotion to the Indonesian Super League. He knows how to get teams promoted.



  • The Marselino Factor: Bogdanovic is the agent for Marselino Ferdinan, one of Asia's brightest young stars who already plays for Oxford. Having the player's agent as the Club Chairman is an unconventional but powerful way to ensure the club remains a destination for top global prospects.

The Negatives (The "Conflict of Interest" Argument)​

  • The Agent Conflict: This is the biggest red flag for fans. In the UK, a Chairman who is also a high-profile agent can lead to accusations of "using the club" to park his own clients or favor certain deals. Oxford fans will be watching to see if the recruitment stays objective.
  • Relegation Pressure: Replacing Grant Ferguson—who was seen as a "steady hand" and helped the club get planning permission for a new stadium—with two overseas-based executives is a gamble. If the "Indonesian duo" doesn't produce an immediate promotion push, the "local vs. global" tension could become a major issue.
  • The "Inter Milan" Shadow: Both Laksmana and Thohir have Inter Milan on their resumes. While prestigious, Inter’s financial history under Thohir was famously "complex." Fans will want to ensure Oxford’s finances remain transparent and simple.

3. The Deepest Connection: The "FIFA Photo"​

In a "detective" deep dive, the most telling piece of evidence is a photo from December 2024. Bogdanovic was pictured with Erick Thohir and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.





4. The Vibe on the Ground​

The current mood in Oxford is "Nervous Excitement."

  • The Negative Vibe: Fans are grieving the relegation and are wary of "outsiders" who might not understand the cold Tuesday nights in League One.
  • The Positive Vibe: There is a sense that the "shackles are off." By appointing a "football man" (Bogdanovic) as Chairman instead of a "corporate man," the owners are signaling that they are going to spend and scout aggressively to get back to the Championship.

Final Verdict​

Bogdanovic and Laksmana have been sent to Oxford to perform a "Hard Reset."

  • Bogdanovic will handle the scouting, the manager, and the players.
  • Laksmana will handle the books, the stadium strategy, and the corporate synergy.
The Risk: It looks like a "corporate takeover" of a community club.The Reward: It brings "Champions League level" executive experience to the third tier of English football.
Click to expand...
Great update, it begs the question, how does that affect the DofF role, when your chairman is carrying out the role.
 
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