PREVIOUS PRESS RELEASES

OXVOX PRESS RELEASE 13 AUGUST 2008 – NO EMBARGO

Pre-match meeting this Saturday, August 16th

An open pre-match meeting for supporters has been organised by supporters trust OxVox this Saturday, 16 August, to start at 1.15 before the match against Eastbourne Borough.

We would like to see as many OxVox members there as possible, but anyone who is not a member is also invited along. If you can only attend for part of the meeting, that's fine.

The meeting will be in the Landmark room upstairs in the Quadrangle conference centre attached to the South Stand – entrance via the spiral staircase inside the downstairs bar. Just ask for the OxVox meeting and you'll be shown the way. Entrance is free.

We'll talk about the prospects for the club this season, what the trust's view of the club's situation is, what the trust is doing, and why you should join the trust if you're not yet a member.

The trust is in the middle of a membership drive as we target 500 members. A special offer of 3 years' membership for £15 will be available on the day and online on our website at www.oxvox.org.uk , with lower prices for concessions and just £1 for under 16s.

We hope you'll come along, if you're not a member, and see what the trust is about and why 350 Yellows fans have joined it.

ENDS

OXVOX PRESS RELEASE 2 MAY 2008

Just the ticket, says OxVox

Everyone associated with Oxford United has been heartened by the strong finish to the season on the field. Every fan will want to be part of the club’s promotion bid next term. Today’s announcement of ticket prices is an important moment in planning for success. It is a chance to send out a positive signal to supporters and encourage continued commitment.

Independent supporters trust OxVox has consulted informally with supporters, and met club representatives on several occasions recently to discuss ticket prices. On behalf of supporters, we proposed fresh ideas to widen the club’s appeal and encourage season ticket renewal.

OxVox Chair Trevor Lambert said:

“The club’s response has been very positive. The constructive dialogue on this issue augurs well for future relations between the club and the trust. A growing supporters trust working with a listening club can only be good for the future of Oxford United.

“It has been difficult for the club to reduce prices at a time when its overheads are rising and it is trying to build a promotion winning team. We are very pleased that the club has taken up a number of our suggestions.”

Three main elements of the new pricing will appeal to different groups of supporters.

Graham Cripps, a new member of the OxVox committee who earlier in the season led a campaign to increase attendances, expressed the trust committee’s view as follows:

“The 5% ‘loyalty bonus’ for season ticket renewals is a welcome reward for many of our fans following the disappointments of the last two years. Together with frozen prices for new season ticket holders, this means that a season ticket is excellent value. The trust would like to urge everyone considering renewing, or buying a season ticket for the first time, to do so as soon as possible.

“Junior fans are the adult fans of tomorrow. OxVox advocated reduced prices for accompanied juniors and we welcome the new under-11 season ticket which gives new options to family groups in parts of the ground outside the current family area.

“Finally, the North Stand offers great views of the action and we’re pleased that the reduced prices, another of our recommendations, will add to its attractiveness for home fans and visiting fans alike.”

OxVox would like to encourage fans to join the trust at the same time as they renew their season tickets, or buy them for the first time. Supporters can join online in a few minutes at the trust website www.oxvox.org.uk and we look forward to welcoming new supporters to an organisation which exists to make positive changes to improve the football club.

ENDS

OXVOX PRESS RELEASE 18 APRIL 2008

Trust membership offer for season’s final home match

Supporters trust OxVox continues to grow and now has over 300 members. It wants the membership to grow further, and is making a special offer to new members for the final match of the season against Rushden and Diamonds next Tuesday.

Trust chair Trevor Lambert says:

“The Trust’s working relationship with the club has improved a great deal during the last few months. We are pleased that the club has responded positively to requests to involve and consult the Trust, as it grows, more and more. We are looking to reach 500 members as quickly as possible and our offer for next Tuesday is the first step.”

“As a special offer for Tuesday only, the first ten new adult members to join the trust will receive £5 off their membership. This means an adult can join for just £5, or nothing at all for a student or someone aged 60 or over. We will be in the South Stand downstairs bar from 6.45pm to sign up members under this offer. ”

This offer comes courtesy of OxVox’s commercial linkup with car leasing company FB Contracts, and local tile supplier Tile Depot. OxVox member Danny Steptoe is the finance director of Tile Depot. He has leased a car from FB Contracts and has kindly agreed to donate the commission payment, due under the linkup, to the Trust. In turn the Trust is happy to ‘recycle’ the payment to make Tuesday’s offer.

Simon Bradbury of FB Contracts, who was elected to the OxVox committee at last Saturday’s Trust AGM, says:

“We are delighted to be working with OxVox on this partnership which will be to our mutual benefit, and we encourage other trust members and Oxford United supporters to discuss their motoring requirements with us.

Visit http://www.oxvox.org.uk/FBContractsdetail.htm for details of the OxVox – FB Contracts partnership.”

Danny Steptoe of Tile Depot adds:

“Our company is pleased to boost OxVox by supporting this promotion. Tile Depot has one of the most extensive wall and floor tile ranges that you will find anywhere. We encourage supporters to visit our website at www.tiledepottrading.co.uk where they will find products to meet all their tiling needs.”

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 23 January 2008 - No embargo

COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY, SAYS OXVOX

The Oxford United supporters trust, OxVox, today called on the club’s owners, Ian Lenagan and Nick Merry, to be more communicative with the club’s fans. The appeal follows an interview with Mr Lenagan on BBC London’s Non-League Football Show, in which the Woodstock-based businessman claimed that United were considering options for communications with supporters.

OxVox chair, Trevor Lambert, said “We met Mr Merry last week, and he reassured us that, while the club has its problems, things aren’t quite as gloomy as has been painted in some quarters. Mr Lenagan was similarly bullish in his interview. He also said that there had been a meeting at United recently where they discussed communications channels, and that he was committed to another fans’ forum in the near future. We would like him to honour that commitment sooner rather than later. Although his point is that until there’s something new to say there’s little point in a forum, we feel that the club must be far more proactive in its communications, whether with OxVox or directly to the fans. In a vacuum rumours proliferate, and this adds to the sense of pessimism currently surrounding the club.”

Martin Brodetsky, vice-chair of the trust, added, “A football club has to be a customer-oriented business, and customers need to be involved, otherwise they will drift away. Maybe not to rival businesses, as football isn’t like that, but they may just stop going to matches, and once they stop it’s not easy to get them to start going again, particularly if there’s little good news on the pitch to get them excited. Therefore the club has to start being more communicative, telling the fans what’s going on with regards to activities such as the stadium sale, as far as possible, or other initiatives.”

Mr Lambert continued “The club has also indicated to us that they do not currently plan to strengthen the sales and marketing team, following the departure of Peter Corbett, before the summer. We think it is important to begin the appointment process now, so that the right person is in post and prepared for the pre-season period when sponsorship arrangements are made. The club’s marketing has visibly declined, this season, particularly in terms of the various smaller initiatives, sponsorships, matchday schemes and incentives. These may not add huge amounts to the club’s coffers, but they do facilitate a feel-good atmosphere at the club, and connect the club more with the local community. It is this connection with which we’re concerned, as we can see gaps developing. The link-up with Peers Academy is excellent, but similar work needs to be done in other areas, and better communicated.”

Commercial representative of OxVox, Tim Rosser, stressed, ‘OxVox want to re-iterate that we are here to help Oxford United, wherever we can, in its commercial and other fund-raising activities. There is a good deal of business and marketing acumen within our membership, who are fully committed to helping the club to thrive off-field. We are happy to meet with our club owners to assist in the much-needed commercial rejuvenation of the club, in what has been a very difficult season.’

Meanwhile, OxVox is planning a meeting for members prior to the home game against Histon, on 9 February.

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 2 November 2007 - No embargo

A TIME FOR CHANGE

On 2 October OxVox issued a statement asking Chairman Nick Merry to make a statement to supporters about the future of the football club, the management, and the team.

We deliberately did not focus directly on the question of the manager, but on the dire defensive football being produced at home and the impact on the club's finances of the loss of support. Last Friday, October 26 prior to the Merthyr cup game we wrote privately to Nick Merry underlining these issues. We have not received any response to either that statement or our letter.

Since then we have seen the cup win against Merthyr and now yesterday's farcical 5-0 defeat at Rushden. Supporters who travelled to Rushden, or who saw yesterday's performance on TV, will have no illusions about anything having changed.

After this performance the focus must be on the management and coaching of the team. Seemingly ill-prepared, but certainly unbalanced and badly organised teams now seem to be the norm, along with an excessive number of players regularly requiring treatment for long-term injuries. Almost all fans are now questioning the continuation of the current management.

Everyone would love Jim Smith to succeed now in the way he did so famously in the 1980s. Sadly, with each passing match fewer and fewer supporters are convinced he is the answer. The supporters trust requests the Chairman to respond to us and to all supporters about the changes he intends to make. The Board must reconsider Jim's position, and invite suitable applicants to apply for the manager's post with the aim of restoring stability and long-term success to the club. The Club must look at all the options available. Otherwise, last night's heavy defeat may only be a sample of what is on offer for the rest of the season. The supporters will respond positively to change and decisive action.

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 2 October 2007 - No embargo

A CALL TO THE CHAIRMAN

Every Oxford United fan shared the disappointment of last season's failure to achieve promotion after the excellent start. There were high hopes at the start of this season that the club could go one better and achieve automatic promotion and avoid the lottery of the playoffs. After 13 matches, with the club 12 points off the pace, the promise of promotion this season (even via the playoffs) is receding unless swift action is taken.

Recent results, the poor product on show, and the consequences of fixture changes caused by the Setanta TV deal are leading to vastly reduced attendances, with serious financial implications for the club. Supporters trust OxVox is hearing from regular supporters, including season-ticket holders, who no longer attend matches.

A supporters trust in general cannot get too closely involved in football matters, or it risks becoming a mouthpiece for only some of the fans who share a particular view. However, we are concerned that unless performances improve the club is unlikely to achieve promotion back to the Football League, which we all want to see. The OxVox committee, having been lobbied by some of the trust's members, and taken soundings from fans in general, feels that the time is now right to issue the following appeal to the club.

We would like club Chairman Nick Merry to make a statement to supporters about the future of the football club, the management, and the team. Supporters need to feel that there is a plan to improve the chances of the club's success. With the right approach the playoffs as a minimum remain possible this season; but more of the same is not likely to be enough. Another season of Conference football will see attendances plummet further, and a very poor financial outcome. We are concerned about the future of our football club, and we would like Mr Merry and the board to let us know their strategy for making the necessary changes.

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 21 September 2007 - No embargo

Welcome to the OxVox and FB Contracts 'Car Leasing' Partnership

OxVox is pleased to announce that it has teamed up with local leasing car supplier, FB Contracts, to offer members highly attractive private and business leasing vehicle contracts.

The tie-up has evolved from the organisation's recent push in membership subscriptions and the willingness of its members to contribute to the development of the organisation by aiding the organisation's commercial opportunities.

Simon Bradbury, FB Contracts Sales Manager and recent OxVox member, runs the vehicle leasing arm of the successful motor group Fish Brothers. He said

"FB Contracts are delighted to offer private and business vehicle leasing options to all OxVox members, their friends and families, and any non-member of the trust who is an Oxford United supporter.

"The aim of the link is twofold: to increase membership for the organisation, which will allow the trust to become more influential; and to provide a stream of revenue to the trust which will be associated to every vehicle leasing sale.

"For each sale, we are offering 3 years' membership of OxVox for current non-members, and in addition a commission is paid to the trust. If you are a current OxVox member then we will be able to extend your membership by a further 3 years, or make a one off payment to the trust should you prefer. Finally, life-time members will also benefit the organisation as in lieu of membership renewal we will make a commission payment to OxVox of £50.00 per sale."

Current Personal Contract and Business Contract Hire rates can be found at www.fbcontracts.co.uk/oxvox which also gives further details of the partnership arrangement.

FB Contracts are able to quote for any make and model but their offer sheet has been designed to show some of the very best rentals available to the market.

If you have a vehicle requirement which isn't listed then please do not hesitate to contact FB Contracts, mentioning OxVox, on its referral line FREEFONE 0800 655 6002 or by email to sales@fbcontracts.co.uk .

PRESS RELEASE 16 August 2007 - No embargo

Fixture changes are an own goal, say supporters

The news that 9 of Oxford United's opening 18 league fixtures were subject to a change in date or kick-off time or both was greeted with dismay by many supporters. Once again, the football authorities have sold out to television, except on this occasion the monetary value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Supporters of clubs in the Blue Square Premier must now be prepared to watch their team play on any day of the week and at any kick-off time between 12 noon and 8.00pm. Sadly, some cannot be that flexible and will not be able to attend as many matches as in previous years.

"Supporters are encouraged to buy their season tickets early and often clubs offer a discount to facilitate the purchase" said OxVox secretary, Chris Davis. "At the time they would have expected matches to commence at 3.00pm on a Saturday or at 7.45pm on a particular weekday. These late changes could now prove costly to ticket holders who may find that they cannot attend on the new date."

OxVox chair Trevor Lambert added "The casual supporter, and supporters travelling long distances to watch their club whether at home or away, will also be deterred and attendances may be affected at all clubs. TV coverage and the subsequent fixture changes have still to be decided for two-thirds of the season so we may have only seen the tip of the iceberg so far."

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 13 April 2007 - No embargo

OXVOX WELCOMES FANS FORUM

Supporters trust OxVox welcomes today's announcement by Oxford United of a Fans Forum to be held on Thursday 26 April. OxVox asked the club to hold a forum before the end of the current season. With a little over a year having passed since the club takeover, the time is right.

There are many positive developments at the football club since the change of ownership. The chairman and directors have set about the task of rebuilding the club with enthusiasm and ability. However, there are a number of big challenges for the future: What is the long-term plan for viability and future success, whether or not promotion is achieved this year? What are the real prospects of acquiring the stadium? What more can the club do to regain a place at the heart of the local community?

An open debate will strengthen the bonds between the club and the fans, which were so badly damaged in previous years. The forum is a chance for the club to share its thinking and plans one year on, on these and other issues, to take on board new ideas and suggestions, and to respond to constructive criticism.

At their best, these forums can be a valuable exercise in two-way communication between club and fans, and we trust they will become a more regular feature in the life of the club. We would like to urge fans to come along in numbers, with their questions, to make the evening worthwhile.

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 30 March 2007 - No embargo

A STADIUM TO BE PROUD OF?

Oxford United Football Club supporters have had much to contend with in recent years. In an otherwise gloomy period a highlight at the time was the Club's move to a new stadium in 2001. Gone were the days of supporting the team with long queues for refreshments in the rain, antiquated toilets and other poor facilities.

Six years on and supporting the team in its new surroundings is not all sweetness and light. Fault reports and deficiencies in the facilities provided do not get acted upon and parts of the stadium are looking distinctly shabby. Maintenance appears to be a word that is not in the owner's vocabulary. For example, lights have been left out of action, there are toilets without waste bins, and leaking taps and televisions out of order for months on end. Even health and safety issues are deferred. Under a flight of external steps between the ticket office windows and the South Stand turnstiles a failed cultivated area has been accepted as a public walkway and become a trip hazard. The promised remedial work to concrete the area has not materialized. The contrast with the leisure centre frontage, which has seen landscaping and a pedestrian crossing introduced, suggests that the stadium is not receiving a similar priority.

OxVox secretary Chris Davis comments:

"The Football Club has been reporting problems to the Stadium Company and invited us to notify them of any supporter concerns. However, perhaps exasperated by a lack of action, the Club has now asked us to deal direct with the Stadium Company. It proved difficult to get action taken when both the Club and stadium were under common ownership. Now it seems to be impossible and the Football Club is receiving a poor level of service for the considerable rent being paid for the use of the stadium."

The team on the field rightly remains the priority for most football supporters, but in order to watch the team we have little choice other than to accept the facilities on offer. Currently, the good things about the stadium are compromised by the uncared-for image it presents. There are now just two home league games remaining this season and evidence of some action in that time will be noticed and welcomed.

OxVox Chair Trevor Lambert added:

"We would like to invite the Stadium Company to work with the Supporters' Trust to identify and address the outstanding basic maintenance issues. Looking ahead, since there appears to be no immediate prospect of a stadium sale, we would like to encourage the Stadium Company to consider for next season whether there are constructive ways in which the Club and Stadium Company can work together, both to improve the fans' experience on a match day and to their mutual benefit."

Moving beyond basic maintenance into areas such as some finishing work and decoration of the concourses, and the provision of affordable match day eating options, would be a good start, and the Trust will be happy to play its part.

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 18 October 2006 - No embargo

OXVOX TAKES ON YOUTH SPONSORSHIP ROLE

OxVox, the Oxford United Supporters Trust, is to sponsor the Oxford United Under-9s team.

Funds for this sponsorship will be raised over the season by events organised by OxVox, which will be advertised on www.oxvox.org.uk. The money raised will go into a separate OxVox account, and be paid over to the club at the end of the season.

OxVox Chair Trevor Lambert said

"We are delighted with the changes at the football club since Nick Merry's takeover. It is particularly good to see the Football in the Community scheme expanding and a full Youth Development Program in place. Nick Merry has done a great deal to secure these schemes financially, and we hope that the supporters, through this sponsorship, can also do their bit to help. We will of course accept donations, but we will also organise community events which we hope will get people involved and having fun, as well as raising cash."

OxVox Vice-Chair Martin Brodetsky added

"Youth represents the future for Oxford United. Some of these children may have a future in the game, but all will benefit from active participation in sport. We are keen to raise funds to work among the younger age groups."

The first event to generate funds was a football competition, held in August, which was won by a team of Oxford United staff.

OxVox is currently auctioning Ray Graydon's 1983-4 Third Division championship medal, and the proceeds from that sale will be added to the sponsorship fund. Details of the auction are on the OxVox website at www.oxvox.org.uk. The leading bid is £389, and higher bids are invited for this rare item of football memorabilia. The auction will be active until Saturday 18th November.

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 5 April 2006 - No embargo

Time to pull together

OxVox has warmly welcomed the takeover of Oxford United by Nick Merry and Jim Smith, and is looking forward to a first meeting with Nick Merry, Kelvin Thomas and Mick Brown later this week.

OxVox chair Trevor Lambert said "There are a range of issues, both short term and medium term, which we would like to discuss with Nick Merry and the Board. We are pleased that he has agreed to an early meeting and we look forward to a new level of communication and common purpose between OxVox and the Board of Oxford United."

The club has six vital matches left this season. We urge the largest possible level of support both home and away.

OxVox vice-chair Martin Brodetsky added "Fans will be passionate and vocal in their support, and rightly so, but the small minority who allow this to spill over into bad behaviour, even if provoked, damage the club's reputation. We ask all Oxford fans to focus their support on helping the club to stay up."

With attention focused on the league position, OxVox has postponed the march from the Manor Ground site to the United Stadium planned for Saturday (8 April). We recognise the need to proceed with the stadium sale as soon as possible, and we recall the promise of the former chairman to sell the stadium and club together. If there is little progress during the summer, we will consider a renewal of protest at that time.

Meanwhile, we have written to the City Council Chief Executive and to the Council party leaders inviting their comments on a number of stadium-related issues, and we have received a message of support from Andrew Smith MP.

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 21/03/2006 - No embargo

OXVOX TURN UP THE HEAT

Meeting

There's now universal agreement among Oxford United supporters that Firoz Kassam has to sell OUFC. Next Friday (24 March) at 7.30pm at Cowley Community Centre, OxVox has organised an evening open to all, members and non-members, to discuss tactics. A representative of Supporters Direct will be present. Doors open 7.00. The room will hold 250-300 people, so get there early.

The United Stadium

Meanwhile, OxVox vice-chair Martin Brodetsky announced: "We do not want the stadium to be known as the Kassam Stadium any longer. To symbolise the united struggle of the fans to remove the current chairman we will in future refer to the stadium as The United Stadium. We urge all United fans, club sponsors, and local media to adopt this new name for the stadium with immediate effect".

The Journey 1999-2006

OxVox chair Trevor Lambert added: "On Saturday 8 April, before the Chester City home match, we call on all fans to join us in a march from the site of the Manor Ground in Headington to the United Stadium. The working title of the march will be The Journey. This symbolises the seven years of failure under Kassam's chairmanship, and the promise to take fans on a journey". More details will follow.

Protests

Protests against the current owner are likely to continue. OxVox supports the right to protest so long as any protests are legal. We will not condone illegal activity.

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE/OPEN LETTER 13/03/06 - No embargo

Firoz Kassam
Chairman, OUFC.

Dear Sir

Open Letter raises more questions than answers

Your open letter to the supporters last Friday appears to end, at least in the short term, the speculation surrounding the ownership of Oxford United. However, OxVox is disappointed that it leaves many questions unanswered concerning the new arrangements and the medium-term future.

On Thursday you claimed that you had received no definite offers for the club, but in your statement you admitted that you have received offers for a takeover. You owe it to the supporters to explain the apparent inconsistency between these two statements, and to clarify why you have decided, if a substantial offer has been received, to reject it. The long-suffering supporters of Oxford United deserve far more clarity at this critical time. We are not prepared to play the role of passengers on the Titanic watching a rearrangement of the deckchairs as our football club sinks beneath the waves. We deserve an explanation. The supporters will not accept excuses, a disappearing act, or blame for instability passed on to those negotiating to buy the club, should it be relegated from the Football League.

We note the appointment of Bill Smith as Managing Director. This is a post that we said should be created and filled last spring, though it appears that there remains no integration of management of club and stadium company. Friday's announcement also fails to clarify whether Mr Smith's role is full time or part time, paid or unpaid. We also have similar reservations about Brendan Cross's role.

We accept that some of the short-term instability at the club appears to have been addressed, but how is this new-look management structure going to assist with the crucial task of gaining sufficient league points to ensure safety? We trust that the new management team has been given the authority to take action to strengthen the squad before the loan deadline.

We remain to be convinced that your stated intention to take a back seat is genuine. With Bill Smith's responsibility being described as 'day-to-day management' of the club, the implication is that the strategic decision-making remains in your hands. Is this the case?

The OxVox committee has already asked to meet you urgently and has also asked Messrs Smith and Cross for a meeting at the earliest opportunity.

Finally, the Supporters Trust has organised a meeting, open to both members and non-members, at Cowley Community Centre, on Friday 24 March at 7.30, at which Oxford United supporters are invited to discuss events at Oxford United, and a future strategy for the Trust.

Yours sincerely

The OxVox committee (Trevor Lambert, Martin Brodetsky, Neil Carter, Chris Davis, Stan Taylor, Ray Whittaker, Graham Hilsdon, Paul Lowe, Tim Rosser)

PRESS RELEASE 24/02/2006 - No embargo

SUPPORTERS LOOK TO A UNITED FUTURE

The next days and weeks could be crucial to the future of Oxford United, with a possible change of ownership off the field, while the team faces a relegation battle on it.

OxVox does not wish to fuel speculation regarding the future ownership of the club, and fully recognises the need for patience and confidentiality at this time.

However, we do wish to reassure our members, and the fanbase in general, that silence from OxVox does not indicate inaction. Speaking for the OxVox committee, Neil Carter commented

"Our aim is to ensure that, whoever may own the club in the future, there is a strategy to restore the standing of the club in the football world and in the local community. Our concern remains, as it always has been, to act in the best long-term interests of our football club and its supporters.

"OxVox holds no brief for a specific owner, but our serious criticisms of Firoz Kassam's period of chairmanship are a matter of public record. We believe that the time has now come to look carefully at the options for the future of Oxford United."

OxVox Chair Trevor Lambert added

"Supporters are the heartbeat of a professional football club. Without them there is no club. The fans have given passionate support to the team recently despite the on pitch concerns and off pitch developments.

"With this support, Oxford United should not be languishing in the lower reaches of professional football.

"In our view, a level of supporter involvement should be a cornerstone of any successful proposal. We have been unable to assist the current ownership since there has been an unwillingness to engage in any form of meaningful supporter involvement."

Next week there is a chance for members of OxVox, and those wishing to join, to discuss recent events and to hear an update from the OxVox committee on its recent activities. On Thursday 2 March OxVox holds its AGM in the Council Chamber at Oxford Town Hall. All members are welcome and new members can join on the door and gain admission. After the formal AGM proceedings there will be a question and answer session. We urge members and those interested in joining to attend; the meeting runs from 7.30-9.30 with tea and coffee available from 7.00.

ENDS

OXVOX PRESS RELEASE 2 February 2006 - No embargo

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

OxVox today told Firoz Kassam "enough is enough" - he must change his ways or move aside and allow the club to progress.

OxVox chairman, Trevor Lambert said: "Last May we issued an open letter to Mr Kassam, setting out the issues we believed were vital to progressing Oxford United and obtaining the promotion that supporters want. In eight months, Mr Kassam has failed to deliver on any of the issues that we proposed and has presided over total failure on the pitch. This is totally unacceptable.

"Mr Kassam repeatedly has promised - and continues to promise us a successful team, yet the elements needed to achieve success have largely been ignored. The promises made now seem very hollow indeed. This failure to deliver on the critical issues has led to dramatic falls in home gates, high prices, very dissatisfied supporters, and a bleak prospect of a relegation dogfight and probably worse to come in the future. It is an unacceptable state of affairs".

In its open letter last year OxVox called for:

1. The appointment of a Chief Executive with full responsibility covering both the football club and stadium.OxVox advised that this would need to be a full time appointment.

This has been ignored: Instead the club has made a part time appointment, with seemingly little or no control or even influence over the stadium company. There is no singular control of the resources, with the effect that the stadium company and football club do not work for the benefit of each other, which is bad for the football club. The results of Steve Hanks' appointment are far from obvious, though it is clear that his remit is significantly restricted. There remains a day to day leadership vacuum and blame for this must rest with the Chairman.

2. Better public relations and communication with the supporters.

This has been ignored: Both of these elements now seem to be in a poorer state than for many years. Fans feel very alienated, OxVox are rarely given the opportunity to hold discussions directly with the Chairman. Blame for this must rest with the Chairman.

3. A proper marketing function.

This has been ignored: Marketing is perhaps the worst in living memory. Blame for this must ultimately rest with the Chairman.

4. The fans to be united through Mr Kassam's leadership.

This has been ignored: Leadership has been lacking with Mr Kassam's public visibility around the ground becoming less and less. Many decisions have been taken which are not in the interests of the club e.g. the all too frequent changing of fixture dates to inconvenient times, resulting in some of the lowest league attendances in the club's history largely for the benefit of conferences, and allocation of football-related revenues, which should belong to the club, being diverted to the stadium company. The stadium company should be working for the benefit of the football club solely; it should not have its own agenda.

Disunity between the fans and the Chairman is at an all time high and if asked, OxVox believe that large swathes of opinion would no longer be supportive of the Chairman. Blame for this must lie with the Chairman.

Trevor Lambert continued:

"Mr Kassam has said that he has passion for Oxford United, yet there is little hard evidence to substantiate this, and plenty to disprove it. The club must be allowed to prosper. The club must come first in every decision. The club has to move on with or without Mr Kassam. Many supporters will be eternally grateful to Mr Kassam for his work in saving the club seven years ago, however, it was never the intention to save the club and allow it to languish in the lower reaches of the Football League. If Mr Kassam feels unable to take the decisions and make the investment necessary to take the club up the football ladder, it is time to seek an alternative.

"Enough is enough; the fans have been very patient. We now need leadership which will seek to re-unite the club with the supporters and local community, and which will work with local partners to develop all aspects of the club for the benefit of supporters. From that base the club will reap success. If Mr Kassam is not prepared to do this, there are others who are. For Mr Kassam to retain our support, we look to the fans forum for some serious answers from Mr Kassam to serious questions, and for Mr Kassam to recognize his failings and just how far he has pushed the loyal supporters of this club away.

"All these points don't even begin to tackle the stark lack of investment in the football team, which all U's supporters know has a struggling first eleven, let alone any strength in depth. The January transfer window was the last opportunity to redeem the situation, but the transfer dealings have followed a familiar pattern of weakening the squad while producing a net inflow of cash and further reducing the wage bill. The time for excuses is long gone; we need action and immediate action at that. There is no use in blaming the Manager this time. The Manager can only work with the tools he is given. Blame for the club's current state of affairs lies only with Mr Kassam."

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE 11/12/05 - No embargo

TIME TO INVEST, SAYS OXVOX

The committee of OxVox, the Oxford United supporters trust, today urged club chairman Firoz Kassam to invest in the playing squad when the transfer window opens in January.

OxVox chair Trevor Lambert said "We are aware that by saying that money should be spent on players we are open to the charge of playing fast and loose with the finances of the club. However, we feel the prospects of promotion from League 2 are slim unless a few key positions in the team are strengthened by means of a modest level of investment. Brian Talbot has been set a target of promotion, but there is little point in willing the ends without providing the means to achieve them."

Oxford United have languished for five years in the lowest division of league football amid falling attendances, and fans are increasingly disaffected with the lack of playing success.

January offers the last opportunity to rescue the current season. By using the January window to sign better players than those who may be available in the close season, the club will maximise the remaining chances of progress this season, while laying the foundations for an all-out promotion bid next season.

We appreciate that some of the players who have been released recently have had their contracts paid up, and this may have had an adverse impact on the finances. However, to achieve the dramatic change in results and performances necessary to move into the upper reaches of the table, OxVox believes the club needs to sign from the pick of the available players in January. Inevitably in a competitive market this will involve transfer fees, much of which will be recouped if the club returns to winning ways and the crowds return.

Given limited resources, Brian Talbot has brought in some able players and he has faced a challenging task with enthusiasm and ability.

January provides an opportunity for Firoz Kassam to support his manager and demonstrate his stated ambition for the club, by laying a stronger foundation for playing success.

As a footnote, OxVox is conscious that this appeal for modest further investment is being made against the backdrop of the 2004/5 club accounts which, although they show a small profit after transfer dealings, also show a worrying 8% fall in turnover.

We believe that action has to be taken now to address the slide in turnover, and we are willing to work with the club to share ideas and work on new initiatives designed to generate additional revenue.

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PRESS RELEASE 20/10/05 – No embargo

OXVOX SUPPORTS ANTI-RACISM WEEK

This is football's national Anti-Racism Week. On Saturday, as in previous years, Oxford United will rightly be supporting the week of action.

Oxford's ethnic minority population of 13%, or one in eight, is higher than the national average of 9%. But if you look around at a match significantly fewer than one in eight of the crowd come from an ethnic minority. Football as a whole is not good at reaching and welcoming all members of its local community, and Oxford United is no exception.

OxVox would like to encourage the club to re-think aspects of its approach to the ethnic minorities in Oxford in the coming year. We do not think the club has a substantial problem with racism among its supporters. Effective previous work, both during anti-racism weeks and through the Football in the Community programme, has no doubt helped in this respect. The club's supporters charter includes, under the aims of Football in the Community, 'to encourage more people (especially children) to play and watch football', and 'to work with the unemployed and ethnic minorities'. The FITC programme in particular has been commended in the past by the Oxfordshire Employers’ Race Equality Network.

However, we are still not successful in attracting ethnic minority fans into the club. How can this be done? Clearly this is a complex year-round issue with no easy answers. OxVox would like to see the club give greater publicity to its existing commitment to the ethnic minorities, and to supplement this commitment by carefully chosen events, for example inviting local ethnic minority teams to provide pre-match entertainment.

One of the aims of OxVox is to 'further the game of football as a recreational facility, sporting activity and focus for community involvement regardless of the sex or ethnic origin of those involved'. Consistent with that aim we are pleased to announce that we are making a small practical gesture of support to two local football teams of Afghan refugees and African refugees, by assisting with their costs for a triangular tournament with our own Raging Fever FC, which is organised by Raging Fever and the Oxfordshire Council for Voluntary Action. The tournament is being held at Cowley Marsh recreation ground at 10.30 on Saturday 22 October and spectators are very welcome to attend.

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PRESS RELEASE 13/07/05 - No embargo

OXVOX WELCOME APPOINTMENT

OxVox today welcomed the appointment of Steve Hanks as General Manager of Oxford United. Speaking on behalf of the committee, OxVox Chair Trevor Lambert said "Steve will be well known to many supporters through his involvement with the pressure group FOUL, which worked for the survival of the football club in the late 1990s. He will bring extensive business and financial skills to his new role, he is approachable, and as a long-term fan of the club he has an excellent appreciation of the interests of supporters.

"Steve is a life member of OxVox and therefore the trust now has a member in an influential position within the club."

OxVox have previously recommended to Mr Kassam, in open and private correspondence, that an appointment of this nature needed to be made, citing skills of significant business experience and knowledge of football and preferably a supporter of Oxford United, and this appointment seems to tick most, if not all boxes. OxVox sees this as a refreshing move by Firoz Kassam, and we hope that other issues we have raised will also be addressed in a similar positive fashion.

There remain vital questions though, about the level of authority and delegated responsibility in decision making that Steve will enjoy. OxVox appreciates that some details will take time to establish, but hopes that clear lines of command and new ways of working will be established quickly.

OxVox do remain concerned that the role given to Steve Hanks is on a part time basis. It is hoped that either further appointments will be made to supplement Steve's time, or that Steve will develop the role into a full time position once he has settled in.

OxVox also hopes that today will mark a watershed in the approach taken by Mr Kassam and some senior officials at the club towards its fans, sponsors, the local community and the Oxfordshire public. We also hope it will lead to a raising of morale behind the scenes at the club and an avoidance of drift.

There is much to do to ensure that the club changes its ethos and Steve will have many demands on his time. OxVox for its part looks forward to meeting Steve very shortly and on a regular basis, and working with him on the behalf of OxVox members, supporters and the community in general for increased supporter involvement and the success of the club.

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PRESS RELEASE 22/05/05 - No embargo

Open Letter to Firoz Kassam from the OxVox committee

Firoz Kassam
Chairman, OUFC.

22 May 2005

Dear Sir

Along with many other OUFC fans, the OxVox committee have been discussing recent events at the football club. We felt it might be helpful to relay our hopes and fears to you, with a view to recognising the best way forward for the club, for you and for the supporters.

By undertaking this in the form of an open letter, we hope to stimulate open and free discourse between you and the supporters on the important issues facing the club.

Chief executive / Deputy

Firstly and most importantly, we strongly support the appointment of a Chief Executive or equivalent to run the club on a daily basis. It is clear that it is increasingly difficult for you to allocate sufficient time to undertake the day to day management of the club. This leads to problems in decision making and actually resolving issues as they arise. The appointment of a CEO would enable the club to run more smoothly and effectively. Many examples can be cited as evidence of the lack of day to day management, such as lateness in resolving player contracts, delays in resolving the management structure, generally slow decision making, and organising conferences on matchdays so that stadium facilities are not available, when the stadium should be prioritised for football.

You have recently stated that you are considering making such an appointment, but gave no definite timetable. We urge you to make this appointment sooner rather than later, and certainly during the close season so that the club can move forward with confidence next season. A fast appointment is required, consistent with a proper appointments procedure, to ensure that the person appointed is the best available for the job.

In our view, the requirements for the job are:

1. A sound knowledge of professional football and the running of football clubs, a track record of success, and unquestionable personal integrity.

2. He or she would be seen as spokesperson for the club in the local community. They should be at ease dealing with interest groups and stakeholders ranging from fans and supporters groups and local media, through to local authorities and the Football League.

3. The appointee must have experience in negotiating contracts and assessing the needs of both the club and players.

4. The post needs to be full-time.

5. To be successful, the person will need to be given a high level of autonomy and authority to make significant decisions, whilst operating under agreed principles and budgetary constraints.

6. There is an excellent backroom staff at Oxford United. Individuals such as Mick Brown, Peter Rhoades-Brown, Chris Williams and Les Taylor are the heartbeat of the club. It is very important that the appointee should be someone who can gain their confidence.

7. We do not feel that there is anyone currently employed at the club who has the skills, knowledge and understanding of football who is able, or would wish, to take on the role, and therefore, the appointee must be external.

Public relations

Recent events have tarnished the image of the club. There has been a series of publicity blunders, culminating in the disappointing scenes at the Chester game when the outgoing management team were denied entry to the stadium, and reports of staff and stewards being threatened with the sack if they did not adhere to this policy. Such situations should never arise. The situation could have been handled much better; and surely it was a small and appropriate concession to allow them to take the team for the last match of their tenure, and have the opportunity to thank the fans and for the fans to reciprocate. It is not very often within football for fans and management to connect as well as occurred with Jean-Marc Goiran and his team and our supporters. Whilst you may not have been able to reach an amicable agreement with them to continue their obvious improvements at the club, that should not have prevented an amicable end to their relationship with yourself and the fans. We do not regard Jean-Marc Goiran and colleagues as blameless in the Chester episode either, but the potential for such an outcome should have been avoided. For those there or watching subsequent TV reports it was an afternoon to be embarrassed to be an Oxford United fan.

There have been many other PR failures. For example, David Oldfield was placed in an impossible position around Easter as he was forced in a post-match interview to defend the non-appearance of the management team, with little reason or explanation given. No-one was available from the club's commercial side to make an official statement to help him out. There was also the example of your own unfortunate statement recently that you would be prepared to play games in an empty stadium. Such statements do little to endear you to the Oxford United supporters or public at large, which surely must be your first aim in everything you do in connection with the club. There are rarely announcements about what is happening at the club, advertising of matches, or indeed any evidence of significant marketing of the club in the locale.

In our view this points to the need for a specific PR and marketing function in the club. The club appears afraid of communicating with Oxfordshire and presenting itself positively, but if the decisions being taken by the club are in the interests of the club, there should be no reason not to communicate effectively and frequently. Decisions are taken without explanations, and sometime individuals are left to cope without apparent guidance or authority. It is apparent that staff are concerned that they will then speak out of turn. Essentially, it appears that no one at the club is able to make any comment without your approval, and this management style is too heavy handed for a football club.

We have called in a previous statement for a PR and marketing professional to be appointed in addition to a Chief Executive. We believe that the PR and marketing function is vital and the current situation is leading to problems which ultimately reduce support and revenue.

Football issues

There are a number of issues which have been commented on and cause us concern with regard to the football side of the club.

The intention to set up a training ground is good, but action is needed. There are occasional announcements about temporary or borrowed facilities, but these rarely achieve what is required. A training ground will be the place of work for the players; it is hard to do a good job if you have no permanent place of work. This is a high priority.

We note the comments of Brian Talbot with regard to scouting, and feel that the use of an internet service is no substitute for traditional scouting methods to assess opponents and potential players.

During the last few months there have been fewer reported issues with regard to players' meals and overnight stays, but we remain concerned about false economies in these and other areas. It is absolutely correct to minimise unnecessary spending, but it is absolutely wrong to reduce necessary spending.

Fitness coaching may become an issue with the departure of the previous management. Although we recognise that they were arguably overstaffed, there is some concern that there may be a return to a less professional approach with their departure. The views of Brian Talbot should be sought in this area to ensure that he has the full team and facilities he considers necessary to achieve what we all want, which is a measure of success.

Uniting the fans

The club's home attendances reduced by some 15% last season. This is not wholly attributable to poor performances on the field. There is an air of resignation about the place, and fans lack confidence that anything will change, or that there is a burning ambition for success. The consensus is that excessive budgetary controls, constant managerial changes, lack of marketing and minimal communication between yourself and the supporters and indeed OxVox, have done much to discourage even the most optimistic. Everyone will wish Brian Talbot well, and his appointment taken in isolation may well turn out to be a good one, but we are worried that the necessary unity will not be achieved without the changes we suggest.

Sadly we are starting to see the fan base splintering into factions. There will always be critics, but this new development is extremely worrying and a clear sign that all is not well.

OxVox has been largely supportive of your Chairmanship. Some fans would say too supportive, indeed it is a reason sometimes given as to why fans do not join OxVox. However, we prefer to consider issues rather than personalities and it is the resolution of the issues that concern supporters that will garner our continued support. We have not aligned ourselves with groups campaigning for you to leave, and we would prefer you to stay if you are willing to embrace change in the way things are done.

The next step

The announcement of a fans forum next Friday, 27 May, is a welcome opportunity to discuss the coming season and to address the issues raised in this letter. We look for confirmation that the club is proceeding to appoint a Chief Executive and PR and marketing guru. We would be happy to meet to discuss these issues.

Yours sincerely

Neil Carter, Chris Davis, Graham Hilsdon, Andy James, Helen Joslin, Sally Lambert, Trevor Lambert, Paul Lowe, Stan Taylor, Terry Taylor, Ray Whittaker (The OxVox committee)

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PRESS RELEASE 17/05/05 - No embargo

OXVOX SAYS COULD DO BETTER

OxVox have provided a limited welcome to the season ticket prices for 2005/6 announced by Oxford United, but expressed disappointment that the club did not go further.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Terry Taylor said

"The club has recognised the need to avoid price increases and we particularly welcome the news of free season tickets for under 7s.

"Football is expensive for families compared to other forms of entertainment. Free places for younger supporters will make matchdays more affordable and will encourage more family attendance, provided the new pricing structure gets the required marketing. It will also be likely to increase the ancillary spend of families who now have a little more in their pockets for hospitality and merchandise.

"However, we feel that the club could have gone a little further, in line with our own proposals, which we believe would have maximised season ticket sales next season. Prices for accompanied juniors aged 7 and over, and for students, remain high. The club now has an inconsistent position on accompanied children's prices, with under 7s being free throughout the home areas but accompanied older children only having discounted prices in the Family Area.

"The club has made a welcome statement that some matchday prices will be reduced. We now look forward to the announcement of these prices and hope that the club will have seriously considered the points we have previously put to them."

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PRESS RELEASE 6 May 2005 - No embargo

The news that the Argentinian management team are leaving Oxford United will have come as a great disappointment to most fans. The fans, who are morally if not legally stakeholders in the club, deserve a full explanation as to why an agreement could not be reached despite the apparent eagerness of the team to remain and rebuild the club.

OUFC is now in a dire situation in terms of planning for next season. It is deeply concerning that the short term appointments had practically expired before it became known that there were major differences over salary expectations. It is hard to believe that such a fundamental difference had not been brought to light earlier. OxVox calls on Firoz Kassam to hold an immediate public meeting open to all fans to explain more fully.

In their time here the Argentine team have offered a glimpse of what needs to be done to improve results and get the club promoted. They have approached their work professionally in all respects, been courteous and communicative in their dealings with the players, fans and media, and have brought forward plans to make the football club strong once again. It is profoundly disappointing that the potential is to be lost, apparently for the want of a reasonable level of investment. OxVox thanks the whole entourage for their substantial efforts on behalf of the club and wishes each of them well in the future.

We gather from media reports that Horacio Rodriguez and Pablo Fernandez very kindly offered to remain at the club until the end of the year to provide continuity. If this is so, unless a replacement with proven success has been lined up for immediate appointment, the decision of Firoz Kassam to refuse this offer is difficult to understand.

We had hoped that lessons have been learnt by Firoz Kassam from the Argentinians' time here and that he now recognised what is needed for success. It is now difficult to sustain that hope. OxVox asks him to consider whether he retains any ambition for the club to be successful after six unsuccessful years on the field.

As to the future, the club has so many problems it is hard to know where to start. The key step on the field is to appoint a quality manager with proven success and adequate funds to mount a promotion challenge. Off the field the club needs a new commercial structure, with the key step being the appointment of a full-time chief executive free to operate within agreed guidelines and budget, working with a dedicated PR officer to restore communications between the club, its fans and local community, media and business partners and sponsors.

We anticipate serious consequences for the club in terms of season ticket sales and revenue if strong evidence of ambition is not forthcoming very quickly. OxVox cannot continue to support a situation in which the club becomes entrenched in League 2 as a low turnover, low success organisation. The tradition of the club demands more.

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PRESS RELEASE 24/04/05 - Embargoed until 26 April 2005

Families come first, says OxVox

In a meeting with the club last week OxVox outlined some ideas about ticket pricing for the 2005/6 season. We feel it is appropriate to make our ideas public so that fans are aware of our thinking.

The football club has clearly lost home support over the last season. In our view this is due to failure to win promotion last season, despite topping the table at the turn of the year, and the failure to mount a serious promotion challenge this season. We feel that there are good prospects for a better season next year provided that the existing management team is retained and a certain amount of strengthening of the playing squad is undertaken.

However, fans are clearly losing patience after four years of basement football which is among the most expensive in the division. We believe an attractive pricing policy for the coming season will send out a signal that the club means business and is determined to attract back the missing fans and create a vibrant atmosphere at the stadium. We recognise though that the club needs to maximise turnover in order to remain financially viable and price incentives must be designed accordingly.

We therefore suggest a limited number of changes to the existing pricing, with a number of innovations designed to increase support.

These are the key points of our proposals:

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PRESS RELEASE 23/03/05 - No embargo

OXVOX BACKS KASSAM

Oxford United's Supporters Trust, OxVox, threw its support behind Oxford United Chairman, Firoz Kassam.

In a statement today, OxVox Secretary, Trevor Lambert, said

"In recent weeks, there has been speculation, and reports in certain elements of the local media, that OxVox does not support Firoz Kassam and would prefer him to leave Oxford United."

"It is very important that we set the record straight."

"OxVox have never preferred Kassam to leave the club and we fully recognise the excellent work he has done in bringing about financial stability at Oxford United. OxVox welcome Firoz Kassam's recently restated commitment to remain at the club, and we look forward to working with him, and the new management team, in the future for the success of the club both on and off the field. We have written to Firoz Kassam to this effect."

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PRESS RELEASE 08/03/05 - No embargo

DECISION TIME

Since Ramon Diaz took over as OUFC manager, results have been mixed. The league position has improved and a new playing style has emerged. Everyone seems to agree that a more professional approach has been adopted off the field. The Diaz revolution is under way.

Preliminary contract talks appeared to begin last week with comments from Firoz Kassam and Ramon Diaz appearing in the local media. Today's bulletins indicate that negotiations are reaching an advanced stage, to turn what was originally a short-term appointment into a longer term one. Having met Diaz and members of his team, it is clear that they have positive ideas. Some of these are for the long term with the clear aim of growing the club to enable it to fulfil its potential. To do so will require attention to many aspects of the club in addition to the first team playing squad. Our view is that the new team, with its wealth of knowledge, experience and ability, offer a good opportunity for Oxford United to rebuild and re-establish itself as successful Football League outfit.

However, it is important that OUFC supporters as a whole have the opportunity to question and listen to the management team and the chairman. We encourage as many fans as possible to attend a forum to do just that at the Kassam Stadium later this month, on a date shortly to be announced by the club.

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PRESS RELEASE 10 December 2004 - No embargo

¡ Bienvenido Ramón !

At lunchtime on Thursday the main question on everyone's lips in Oxfordshire football circles was "Who is Ramón Diaz?"

We now know that he has impeccable credentials, having had an illustrious playing career in three continents and an impressive coaching career in his Argentine homeland.

His appointment as manager of Oxford United, together with a large support team, is astonishing and shows an innovative approach to filling what has recently become a problem position.

We would like to say ¡ Bienvenido Ramón ! and extend a warm welcome to Diaz and his team. We hope that his fresh ideas and new training methods will lead to improved results and see the club climb the table and move well clear of the relegation places.

The appointment of Diaz is a brave choice by Firoz Kassam and demonstrates his stated ambitions for the club. We also believe Diaz's decision to accept the challenge as his first post in English football is a courageous one. We trust the limitations and rigour of Coca-Cola League 2 do not prove to be too much of a culture shock to him.

We would like to place on record our thanks to Darren Patterson for his efforts as caretaker manager in the last few weeks.

OxVox is sure that fans would welcome an early opportunity to meet Señor Diaz in an open forum with the Chairman.

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PRESS RELEASE 16 November 2004 - No embargo

Staying United

Following results this season, action was inevitable and OxVox is pleased that some has been taken. We thank Graham Rix for his efforts as manager. We trust that his role over the next two to three weeks has been clarified.

We would like to express our support for Darren Patterson who takes over in a very difficult situation. Everyone, particularly the players who have clearly underperformed as a team, should now give Darren their full backing.

We hope the Club is urgently seeking a range of applicants for its managerial vacancy, rather than relying on personal recommendation which has been the case in the past, and that a selection panel is helping to shortlist candidates in the Chairman's absence.

The Club needs to become more professional in its outlook both on and off the field and is noticeably under-strength in the number of active directors. In our view, the current requirement to invest £25,000 is a barrier to those who have the necessary skills and experience to help take the Club forward.

OxVox wishes to restate the need for full dialogue between the Club and its supporters, and for the Club to establish a minimum of two open forums per year as previously agreed with the Chairman.

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PRESS RELEASE 9 November 2004 - No embargo

The Show Goes On (Permanently)

Despite recent discouraging results for Oxford United on the field, it will be business as usual with a smile and a community theme for OxVox this Friday (November 12th) when we will be running a stall jointly with the football club in Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley from 10am to 3pm. Come and support this event as we help to take the club shop into the local community and make the club more visible. This will be an excellent opportunity to buy Christmas presents and to meet people from the football club and OxVox.

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PRESS RELEASE 1 November 2004 - No embargo

OxVox events on November 4th and 12th

1. This Thursday, November 4th, OxVox, Oxford United's independent supporters trust, will be holding one of our popular quiz nights at the Priory pub adjacent to the Kassam Stadium, starting at 7.30 prompt. All are welcome and teams of 2, 3 or 4 can enter - singles can join a team; £2 per person (£1 for OxVox members). Questions will cover general knowledge, sport and Oxford United.

2. On Friday November 12th, we will be running a stall jointly with the football club in Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley from 10am to 3pm, selling club merchandise. This follows a similar event in August run solely by OxVox. This will be an excellent opportunity to buy Christmas presents and to meet people from the football club and OxVox.

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PRESS RELEASE 11 August 2004 - No embargo

OxVox events on August 13th and 16th

1. OxVox, Oxford United's independent supporters trust, will be running a stall in Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley this Friday, August 13, from 10am to 3pm, selling club merchandise. It is hoped to be a first step in taking the club into the local community.

2. In a busy week for OxVox, next Monday, August 16, we are holding one of our ever popular quiz nights at the Priory pub adjacent to the Kassam Stadium, starting at 7.30 prompt. All are welcome and teams of 2, 3 or 4 can enter; £2 per person (£1 for OxVox members). Questions will cover general knowledge, sport and Oxford United.

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PRESS RELEASE 23/04/04 - No embargo

The end of the season

Every Oxford United fan will be disappointed with 2004’s results. However, OxVox urges all fans to put their concerns and disappointments aside and to offer their vocal support to the team over the final matches. The club still has a chance of appearing in the Football League playoffs for the first time in its history, and nothing should detract from this aim.

The appointment of Graham Rix

We welcome this week’s appointment because it resolves the uncertainty, and gives the new manager an opportunity to build a successful team.

Thanks are due to Ian Atkins for stabilising the club. Performances though, even when the team was winning, were uninspiring and lacking in entertainment value. We look forward to a more attractive style of football, which is in the traditions of Oxford United, and we hope that success will be combined with entertainment.

The Football League wage cap next season will limit the resources which can be invested for playing success, but we urge the chairman to support Mr Rix fully within the constraints.

OxVox acknowledges the real concerns expressed to us by some fans about Graham Rix's appointment, and does not in any way condone his previous offence. After careful consideration, however, we do not consider that it is in our place as a supporters trust to criticise his appointment on these grounds. We trust that relevant employment guidelines were followed in making the appointment.

Running of the club

OxVox would like to take this opportunity to express our continued support for Firoz Kassam in these difficult times for Football League clubs. In our view his critics remain a small but vociferous minority, who tend to surface whenever there is a run of poor results. We do however have some advice. More regular communication from the chairman towards the club’s supporters trust is necessary. We would like to reassure the chairman that he has nothing to fear from being more open with the fans.

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PRESS RELEASE 25 March 2004 - No embargo

OxVox wishes to thank Ian Atkins for his efforts over the last two years for Oxford United. The playing side and the team have improved during his time as manager and the club is now in a stronger position than he found it.

We wish Graham Rix the best of luck in the coming weeks in achieving good results for the football club and working towards the goal of promotion.

OxVox members would welcome the opportunity to meet with both Graham Rix and the Chairman in due course.

PRESS RELEASE 27/01/04 - No embargo

Support from all sides!

Oxford United have announced that the North Stand will be open to home fans for the matches against Kidderminster next Saturday and Bury on February 21st. OxVox congratulates the club on this sensible decision.

We hope the North Stand will remain open for all future home games; it widens spectator choice and will improve the atmosphere in the ground. Starting with Saturday's match, we ask the public of Oxford to respond by backing their promotion-chasing team in ever-increasing numbers. This is a critical stage of the season. Vocal support will be important in helping the team to achieve.

We welcome those Oxford supporters who have stayed away in recent years and urge them to come back to enjoy what promises to be an exciting (if nail-biting!) last three months of the season. Let's make it easy for the club to decide to keep the North Stand open.

PRESS RELEASE 03/12/03 - No embargo

OXFORD UNITED: THE OXVOX VIEW

Supporters will be aware that during a recent breakfast show interview club chairman, Firoz Kassam, suddenly announced that he was open to offers for the club, stadium, hotel and indeed the whole site including the leisure complex. Since then in other interviews he has referred to discussions with one or two potential buyers. Fans are obviously concerned as to what the impact of all of this will be for OUFC, as is OxVox.

OxVox's current view is that Mr Kassam's chairmanship is bringing stability, financial prudence, and recovery to the club. We currently also have a settled squad who appear to be competently managed, with a chance of promotion. We consider that a prolonged period of uncertainty would detract from this. Our view is that continued stability will offer the best chance of securing promotion.

With this in mind we have recently met with Mr Kassam, members of the city council and other parties in an attempt to move forward some of the remaining unresolved issues. A recent example of an issue that has now been resolved was that of the leisure centre build which strayed onto adjacent council-owned land, due to incorrect plans being in circulation. This threatened the land deal for the leisure centre, and put the scheduled December opening of Bowlplex at risk. Thanks are due to council officers who quickly found a solution to the problem. Additional parking arrangements are also high on our agenda.

Mr Kassam continues to state that it is his intention to sell. In this event we feel it is vital that the fans' point of view is consi

	Discounted Season ticket	Normal season ticket	Advance match ticket
Oxford Mail (East) Stand
Adult	235 (235)	275 (275)	13.50 (13.50)
Student with NUS Card	115 (176)	135 (210)	7.00 (10.50)
Under 16 or Over 65	115 (115)	135 (135)	7.00 (7.00)
sp
South Stand Lower
Adult	270 (270)	320 (320)	15.50 (15.50)
Student with NUS Card	140 (203)	160 (240)	9.00 (12.00)
Under 16 or Over 65	140 (140)	160 (175)	9.00 (9.50)
Accompanied Under 8	Free (-)	Free (-)	Free (-)
Accompanied 8-15	60 (-)	80 (-)	4.00 (-)
sp
South Stand Lower Family Area
Under 11	- (30)	- (60)	- (4.00)
11-16 Years	- (70)	- (88)	- (4.00)
sp
South Stand Upper
Adult	319 (319)	370 (370)	17.00 (17.00)
Student with NUS Card	150 (240)	170 (280)	10.00 (12.00)
Under 16 or Over 65	150 (170)	170 (210)	10.00 (11.50)
Accompanied Under 8	Free (-)	Free (-)	Free (-)
Accompanied 8-15	115 (-)	135 (-)	7.00 (-)