Open and shut meeting

United supporters packed the Social Club at the Manor tonight for the FOUL open meeting, attended by Firoz Kassam, Joe Kinnear and David Kemp. All three gave refreshingly, disarmingly, honest answers to the wide variety of questions fired at them by the assembled fans, some of which are worth repeating here.
Kassam started with a statement that took many by surprise, the gist of it being that if United go down it's not the worst thing that can happen in the world compared to drought, famine, poverty etc – football is only a game and we shouldn't take it so seriously. We should put it in perspective and if Oxford are relegated so what, one day we'll be back. Whilst Rage Online heartily endorses those sentiments, it's sometimes difficult to be so blasé when your team is losing week in, week out.
Kinnear gave an expletiveful account of just how crap the players are at United. He reiterated that his role is to be in charge of contracts and buying and selling players, of whom he is hopeful to have three new ones in time for the Northampton game on Saturday week. Bids have been made and he's waiting for answers from both managers and players. Kinnear believes that the club needs about half a dozen new players and needs to get rid of eight or nine of the current crop who aren't performing whilst draining the club's finances. The problem he faces is that no-one wants to take any of Oxford's players on their high wages and at the same time it is difficult to attract players to United given the club's current position. Kinnear was very upbeat about the young players coming through, although he gave the caveat that they are still very young and are not the answer to the club's current crisis.

The luminaries at the top table

Away from the playing side Kassam confirmed that the contract with Birse was signed this week (see this press release from Birse) and that the whole complex, including the hotel and leisure site, will cost around £40 million. He is looking to find a rugby club to ground share with and now that builders are back on site they are actively seeking a sponsorship deal for the new stadium, although if no-one is found it will be called the “Firoz Kassam stadium”! The leisure complex should be complete in about two years and the only outstanding issue, that of Les Wells' right of way, is due to be heard in the High Court on December 14th, although their solicitors have requested an adjournment which is being opposed by United.

A happy looking Dave Kemp	A less happy looking Steve Hanks

It was confirmed that Denis Smith is still on the payroll in the capacity of scout, and that it was Kassam's long-term plans for United that sold Kinnear on the job. Kassam noted comments that playing music after goals are scored is “naff”. Kemp made the interesting comment that he is a fans' representative and he promised to “build a team that you'll be proud to come and watch”.
There was general agreement that the meeting was a success and that a follow up meeting should be held at a later date.

Winning streak ends

The reserves lost for the first time in seven games this afternoon, going down 2-1 in Cambridge. Jorden Holder put Oxford ahead in the first half, but in the 68th minute David Bridges equalised for Cambridge. The winner came two minutes later when Dave Pearson shot under 'keeper Phil Wilson.
Oxford United: Phil Wilson, Rob Folland (c), Simon King, Dean Whitehead, Ross Weatherstone, Neil McGowan, Paul Powell, Simon Weatherstone, Jorden Holder (Robert Lovegrove), Jamie Cook, Jamie Brooks.
Other Subs: Brynmor Jones, Brynley Spence, Robert Cruise, Kelvin McIntosh.