General The Board & Senior Management

[Northstandboy]

 

[Under The Cuckoo Lane]

Who'd want to be our owners over the years?
Pumped many millions into a medium sized club on low revenue, and continue to do so. Without our current owners where would we be now I wonder, and the memories created for so many simply would not exist.

 

[The Mighty Aldo]

Who'd want to be our owners over the years?
Pumped many millions into a medium sized club on low revenue, and continue to do so. Without our current owners where would we be now I wonder, and the memories created for so many simply would not exist.

When some fans have a go at our owners , they would do well to remember this, not forgetting Niall Mc Williams because without him there would be no new stadium and that is the reason our current owners have stuck with us

 

[Billyox]

The increased number of substitutions in recent years is another reason why we should manage expectations for the coming season.

Fingers crossed the youngsters will do a good job, but having experienced ‘finishers’ on the bench who can come on and transform/manage the game is different to asking youth players to do a job.

They might well do a good job, but we’re asking a lot of them. They’ll certainly get our support.

Id say this tho youngsters play without fear as they dont have that experience

Who was it who said you wont win anything with youngsters

 

[The Mighty Aldo]

Id say this tho youngsters play without fear as they dont have that experience

Who was it who said you wont win anything with youngsters

Alan Hansen

 

[Manorlounger]

Playing the youngsters and, playing them as full on team members, has given me great encouragement in the squad management by Ramsay. They all looked fully on board, played with confidence and, displayed qualities that belittled their youth status.
It's not just that we will need their participation, the club needs to develop new players, new talent for the selling model of a club that we undoubtedly need to be. The disrespect and lack of any trust in youth by Rowett and, to some extent by Bloomfield, was counterproductive and could have robbed the youth of any confidence.

What I've seen so far in the games against Crawley and Ipswich has been very encouraging and I look forward to seeing more in the new season.

 

[The Mighty Aldo]

Playing the youngsters and, playing them as full on team members, has given me great encouragement in the squad management by Ramsay. They all looked fully on board, played with confidence and, displayed qualities that belittled their youth status.
It's not just that we will need their participation, the club needs to develop new players, new talent for the selling model of a club that we undoubtedly need to be. The disrespect and lack of any trust in youth by Rowett and, to some extent by Bloomfield, was counterproductive and could have robbed the youth of any confidence.

What I've seen so far in the games against Crawley and Ipswich has been very encouraging and I look forward to seeing more in the new season.

You know what @Manorlounger this embargo may just be doing us a favour in the long run. Aaron Ramsey has to play these youngsters because he has no options, yet I feel with the two coaches he has brought in with him they would have got a chance anyway.Could be when the embargo is lifted we see more youngsters come in rather than the likes of Phillips, Dembele etc the aging pro

If one of BDK or Mills goes and we are able to keep the rest, this will be the best window we’ve seen for some time, shame about the injuries to Roosken and Woo plus Kent but other than a decent striker the squad doesn’t look too bad.

 

[FAB Admin]

On Friday the Chairs of FAB and OxVox met with the Chair of Oxford United to discuss a number of concerns. This was arranged by the Club following the recent FAB meeting stressing the urgency of improving communication. Discussions were frank and constructive. A summary can be read on the link below.

 

[OtteryYellow]

On Friday the Chairs of FAB and OxVox met with the Chair of Oxford United to discuss a number of concerns. This was arranged by the Club following the recent FAB meeting stressing the urgency of improving communication. Discussions were frank and constructive. A summary can be read on the link below.

I see you had to get into a time machine to finally get to meet him.

Feels positive, thanks for the update.

 

[Northernyellow]

OxVox notes are very thorough- much more detail than I had expected. Sounds like Tim W has gone- which is no loss. Very encouraging that Dusan is moving over. Let's see what happens in the next few weeks- if we only lose BdK, this is a very competitive team. Shame we couldn't have had this update at the time the embargo was announced- all down to the Board btw- not OxVox.

 

[Scotchegg]

Having read the OxVox email from their meeting with Dusan, a couple of things come to mind.

Firstly, I don't care about any ITK bollox, but I posted pretty much the same thing weeks ago as to my understanding of the situation. Why this matters is that whilst this has come from the horses mouth, it's not the "breaking news" I was hoping for.

And if this was being spoken about within the club, why has it taken a month to thrn be shared with fans and our fans group?

OxVox acknowledge that everything amounts to positive words and assurances and say that actions speak louder than words.

But one significant action has been silence. Not because there hasn't been anything to say, but the club has chosen not to say it.

Now, of course, it looks like we can put to bed some of the wild claims that have been made on here and various "expert" podcasts. And even the slightly evasive comments about asking the owners about other investors, isn't quite the gotcha some may think - we've always been seeking external investors for the stadium.

But I still think that some critical questions have been left unanswered, and, I know it will go against the grain, but I think OxVox have left them off the hook here. After such more communication over the summer months, and not much better before that, I don't want vague assurances of something better in the future. I want clear accountability and actions.

This would include;

A video statement from Dusan, to be put across the club socials, to introduce himself, explain the current situation and apologise for the lack of engagement to date.

A commitment to monthly chairman updates, or sooner if the situation changes.

A commitment to a Fans Forum by the end of September with Dusan and all relevant SLT in attendance.

All of this should be seen as nothing more than Business As Usual, but it will give assurances that Dusan and the club are committed to better communication and will help to rebuild trust.

I am hopeful for the future (always am) and feel that this has been an important step to at least find out the Dusan exists! But words have been proven to be meaningless before, and I want to see more than a few notes from a cosy chat during the most critical time in our clubs future.

 

[Jason N]

Having read the OxVox email from their meeting with Dusan, a couple of things come to mind.

Firstly, I don't care about any ITK bollox, but I posted pretty much the same thing weeks ago as to my understanding of the situation. Why this matters is that whilst this has come from the horses mouth, it's not the "breaking news" I was hoping for.

And if this was being spoken about within the club, why has it taken a month to thrn be shared with fans and our fans group?

OxVox acknowledge that everything amounts to positive words and assurances and say that actions speak louder than words.

But one significant action has been silence. Not because there hasn't been anything to say, but the club has chosen not to say it.

Now, of course, it looks like we can put to bed some of the wild claims that have been made on here and various "expert" podcasts. And even the slightly evasive comments about asking the owners about other investors, isn't quite the gotcha some may think - we've always been seeking external investors for the stadium.

But I still think that some critical questions have been left unanswered, and, I know it will go against the grain, but I think OxVox have left them off the hook here. After such more communication over the summer months, and not much better before that, I don't want vague assurances of something better in the future. I want clear accountability and actions.

This would include;

A video statement from Dusan, to be put across the club socials, to introduce himself, explain the current situation and apologise for the lack of engagement to date.

A commitment to monthly chairman updates, or sooner if the situation changes.

A commitment to a Fans Forum by the end of September with Dusan and all relevant SLT in attendance.

All of this should be seen as nothing more than Business As Usual, but it will give assurances that Dusan and the club are committed to better communication and will help to rebuild trust.

I am hopeful for the future (always am) and feel that this has been an important step to at least find out the Dusan exists! But words have been proven to be meaningless before, and I want to see more than a few notes from a cosy chat during the most critical time in our clubs future.

It's a shame you weren't as vehement in your questioning of the club when you were a member of the Supporters Panel.

 

[Scotchegg]

It's a shame you weren't as vehement in your questioning of the club when you were a member of the Supporters Panel.

Firstly, the supporters panel and OxVox have two very different roles, and I was always very clear that the Governance of the club sat with OxVox and still should.

Secondly, I absolutely did question the club on various issues, including things like Fans Forums and feel partially responsible for the fact that we got them up and running.

And finally, if you believe that this is time for personal squabbles, rather than holding the club to account during this critical time, then I worry about your priorities. Nothing I have posted is unreasonable. I'm not talking about protests or storming the boardroom. I'm asking for communication to ALL fans, not just OxVox members and those who come on here. And a Fans Forum that the club's Fan Engagement Plan promises.

Is that too much to ask?

 

[ZeroTheHero]

One thing I would say - those of us supporters who are members of OxVox and/or are on here will have seen the reassurances etc.

However, nobody else will - because the club have not yet posted any new update from the chairman on the OWS as yet. So if (as Mr Egg rightly says) the club should be communicating to ALL fans, then I hope that will appear later today.

 

[Under The Cuckoo Lane]

Firstly, the supporters panel and OxVox have two very different roles, and I was always very clear that the Governance of the club sat with OxVox and still should.

Secondly, I absolutely did question the club on various issues, including things like Fans Forums and feel partially responsible for the fact that we got them up and running.

And finally, if you believe that this is time for personal squabbles, rather than holding the club to account during this critical time, then I worry about your priorities. Nothing I have posted is unreasonable. I'm not talking about protests or storming the boardroom. I'm asking for communication to ALL fans, not just OxVox members and those who come on here. And a Fans Forum that the club's Fan Engagement Plan promises.

Is that too much to ask?

Thank you Scotchegg for all you do for our club.
Let's grow up and stop squabbling, me too.
Peace and Love to OUFC Fans.

 

[ttg17]

Having read the OxVox email from their meeting with Dusan, a couple of things come to mind.

Firstly, I don't care about any ITK bollox, but I posted pretty much the same thing weeks ago as to my understanding of the situation. Why this matters is that whilst this has come from the horses mouth, it's not the "breaking news" I was hoping for.

And if this was being spoken about within the club, why has it taken a month to thrn be shared with fans and our fans group?

OxVox acknowledge that everything amounts to positive words and assurances and say that actions speak louder than words.

But one significant action has been silence. Not because there hasn't been anything to say, but the club has chosen not to say it.

Now, of course, it looks like we can put to bed some of the wild claims that have been made on here and various "expert" podcasts. And even the slightly evasive comments about asking the owners about other investors, isn't quite the gotcha some may think - we've always been seeking external investors for the stadium.

But I still think that some critical questions have been left unanswered, and, I know it will go against the grain, but I think OxVox have left them off the hook here. After such more communication over the summer months, and not much better before that, I don't want vague assurances of something better in the future. I want clear accountability and actions.

This would include;

A video statement from Dusan, to be put across the club socials, to introduce himself, explain the current situation and apologise for the lack of engagement to date.

A commitment to monthly chairman updates, or sooner if the situation changes.

A commitment to a Fans Forum by the end of September with Dusan and all relevant SLT in attendance.

All of this should be seen as nothing more than Business As Usual, but it will give assurances that Dusan and the club are committed to better communication and will help to rebuild trust.

I am hopeful for the future (always am) and feel that this has been an important step to at least find out the Dusan exists! But words have been proven to be meaningless before, and I want to see more than a few notes from a cosy chat during the most critical time in our clubs future.

Agreed. While I’m encouraged by the ‘takeaway’ comments from OxVox that they had felt the meeting was positive, as I do trust their judgement, the responses are conspicuously lacking in any kind of detail or concrete thinking. I’ll give OxVox the benefit of the doubt and assume what was told to them in the ‘off the record’ / confidential points they couldn’t disclose gave them sufficient comfort that the situation is being addressed, but I don’t otherwise think the responses tell us anything we didn’t already know.

The brushing off of the embargo as a ‘timing issue not a cashflow one’ remains alarming: a) how could this administrative hurdle not have been foreseen or accounted for in advance, and b) given the way the taps seemed to have been turned off last summer too, are we going to spend every summer window for the foreseeable hamstrung by ‘timing issues’ in respect of funding?

The stated commitment to improving comms is also laughable as, as we all know, the reason for the poor comms over the last few months has been him! He’s been quite literally invisible and put out one statement, following significant fan unrest, since he was appointed. It just seems a very disingenuous thing to say and a classic box tick, tell-the-people-what-they-want-to-hear move.

 

[Jason N]

Firstly, the supporters panel and OxVox have two very different roles, and I was always very clear that the Governance of the club sat with OxVox and still should.

Secondly, I absolutely did question the club on various issues, including things like Fans Forums and feel partially responsible for the fact that we got them up and running.

And finally, if you believe that this is time for personal squabbles, rather than holding the club to account during this critical time, then I worry about your priorities. Nothing I have posted is unreasonable. I'm not talking about protests or storming the boardroom. I'm asking for communication to ALL fans, not just OxVox members and those who come on here. And a Fans Forum that the club's Fan Engagement Plan promises.

Is that too much to ask?

Well done, you. Virtual signaller extraordinaire!

I agree about the squabbling, but it’s okay when it suits you, sir! Anyway, I love all my fellow supporters, even you, Eggy. xx

It’s not too much to ask. I’ll leave you to it.

 

[carefreeoufc]

A decent update from OxVox. Reading between the lines, it looks like TW is going to be heading off in the near future; we may also see some changes in Waldron's role. On recruitment, I was sat this morning thinking about all of the players we signed in The Championship over the two seasons. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's only Lankshear and Peart-Harris that have actually gone on to better things. Loanees have returned to their parent clubs, and others have gone to European leagues, L1 or possibly L2. I know we have the likes of Spencer, Currie, BdK, Mills etc., but it's not a ringing indictment in terms of recruitment.

Whilst I'm pleased with the general vibe of the update, there are still questions to be answered and there are contradictions. I admit, I've not had to BACS millions of pounds from my Indonesian bank account to a UK one, but I'm still shocked that we weren't able to demonstrate compliance with the revised league rules. Unless Tim and the SMT really were that incompetent prior to Dusan coming in.

 

[OX14]

One thing I would say - those of us supporters who are members of OxVox and/or are on here will have seen the reassurances etc.

However, nobody else will - because the club have not yet posted any new update from the chairman on the OWS as yet. So if (as Mr Egg rightly says) the club should be communicating to ALL fans, then I hope that will appear later today.

I think we need to try and get as many fans signed up to Oxvox at this current time as possible.

The more members (customers in the clubs eyes) they represent the better when it comes to trying to get answers from the club.

 

[Sarge]

I think we need to try and get as many fans signed up to Oxvox at this current time as possible.

The more members (customers in the clubs eyes) they represent the better when it comes to trying to get answers from the club.

100% this ... the 2K membership of @OxVox isn't far off being reached/ passed; 2000 (+) members of a Supporters trust is, I believe, a figure that is not only impressive, once achieved /surpassed, will very likely ensure SMT, & owners, treat OxVox with respect and take notice of OxVox. OxVox are independent of the club. The committee, democratically elected, are all OUFC supporters. Cost of membership for 3 years for an adult is £3.33.3 per year, even less for Juniors and Seniors per year for a 3 year membership package.

 

[Older Shotts]

100% this ... the 2K membership of @OxVox isn't far off being reached/ passed; 2000 (+) members of a Supporters trust is, I believe, a figure that is not only impressive, once achieved /surpassed, will very likely ensure SMT, & owners, treat OxVox with respect and take notice of OxVox. OxVox are independent of the club. The committee, democratically elected, are all OUFC supporters. Cost of membership for 3 years for an adult is £3.33.3 per year, even less for Juniors and Seniors per year for a 3 year membership package.

And you get a nice shiny metal badge, which was a nice surprise.

 

[SteMerritt]

And you get a nice shiny metal badge, which was a nice surprise.

I went for the Lifer option and also got @Maurice Earp 's autograph on a nice little certificate, what more could anyone want? It's framed on my home office wall.

 

[TheDukeOfBanburyshire]

100% this ... the 2K membership of @OxVox isn't far off being reached/ passed; 2000 (+) members of a Supporters trust is, I believe, a figure that is not only impressive, once achieved /surpassed, will very likely ensure SMT, & owners, treat OxVox with respect and take notice of OxVox. OxVox are independent of the club. The committee, democratically elected, are all OUFC supporters. Cost of membership for 3 years for an adult is £3.33.3 per year, even less for Juniors and Seniors per year for a 3 year membership package.

Perhaps this is also indicative of the supporter base of a club that is regularly flying a bit too close to the sun.

 

[Older Shotts]

I went for the Lifer option and also got @Maurice Earp 's autograph on a nice little certificate, what more could anyone want? It's framed on my home office wall.

I have that too.. tempted to pop it on eBay to pay off my mortgage..

 

[SteMerritt]

I have that too.. tempted to pop it on eBay to pay off my mortgage..

Got to be going up in value now he has announced his retirement from the role, so hang on to it for a bit first.

 

[Essexyellows]

On Friday the Chairs of FAB and OxVox met with the Chair of Oxford United to discuss a number of concerns. This was arranged by the Club following the recent FAB meeting stressing the urgency of improving communication. Discussions were frank and constructive. A summary can be read on the link below.

Relevance begging.............. you`ve got your own section and can start a new thread in it as it is already being discussed elsewhere.

 

[The Mighty Aldo]

Thank you Scotchegg for all you do for our club.
Let's grow up and stop squabbling, me too.
Peace and Love to OUFC Fans.

Amen to that brother

 

[Essexyellows]

I think we need to try and get as many fans signed up to Oxvox at this current time as possible.

The more members (customers in the clubs eyes) they represent the better when it comes to trying to get answers from the club.

100% this ... the 2K membership of @OxVox isn't far off being reached/ passed; 2000 (+) members of a Supporters trust is, I believe, a figure that is not only impressive, once achieved /surpassed, will very likely ensure SMT, & owners, treat OxVox with respect and take notice of OxVox. OxVox are independent of the club. The committee, democratically elected, are all OUFC supporters. Cost of membership for 3 years for an adult is £3.33.3 per year, even less for Juniors and Seniors per year for a 3 year membership package.

Says it all. 2,000+ supporters acknowledge the importance of an independent representative body.

 

[Orkney Islands Yellow]

 

[Jonny G]

I wasn't on here either Friday or over the weekend, so have just seen the comments about the Fan Engagement document. What the actual f**k. Clueless and insulting in terms of its timing and content after events over the summer.

Second, the Chairman's meeting with OxVox - e.g. Ask Claude. @Paul P does he really exist? I know it was a Zoom call, are you sure it wasn't Dianne Morgan in character with Sue Johnston playing Benson? I joke - and I don't need an answer Paul, I have no beef with OxVox.

The chairman has been in position since early May. The embargo for about a month - four weeks on Wednesday? - why has it taken this long for him to give any details? If Williams has gone announce it (along with any announcement thanking Craig Short etc.)

Gemini AI talks about his involvement in football over many years starting as a played in Serbia and how the club may have made mistakes. Does he think fans of Red Star or Partizan Belgrade would accept the complete absence of communication over a transfer embargo? If he doesn't why has he - or the club not communicated better with us? That's not a mistake that's equally incompetence and disrespect.

We don't really have a choice but to accept him as long as Thohir wants him here - and in an OUFC communication vacuum Thohir has surpassed himself by being the only voice in the world to come out and support Infantino.

AI Chairman has a huge disconnect to overcome with OUFC fans. To have likely been the person to sideline - and possibly sack - Tim Williams and still be regarded with contempt by many Oxford fans long before his first competitive match day is some achievement.

 

[Jonny G]

Whilst I'm ranting here - Ryan Maher shouldn't get a free pass here. There was a conversation in this thread last week comparing Maher to Chris Williams and - I paraphrase - but the view of some people was they're doing different jobs, Maher is to produce content where as C Williams' was much more of an old school comms role (match reports, interviews, programme pieces etc.)

I agree that much of the video content produced by the club in the last couple of years has been superb. The campaigns with Will Vokes and referencing Joey are just what we should be doing as a club.... kudos. BUT Ryan, your job title is Head of Media & PR so lack of comms - especially lack of engagement with Radio Oxford is at your door. You may well be not able to communicate based on instruction from people above you (Chairman, CEO etc.) but at what point does the only communication coming from OxVox and FAB become an embarrassment to the point where you consider your position? It's not a good look mate.