Barr to build Minchery

Now that the secret is out in the public domain Rage Online can confirm what we've been hinting at in these reports for the last few weeks – the construction company which is in negotiations to complete the stadium at Minchery Farm is Barr Limited, based in Ayr, Scotland (rumours that the Jemmo deal had anything to do with this are completely unfounded, probably). A contract with Barr has not yet been signed, as this is pending the signing of the land transfer from the City Council to Kassam.
Barr are no strangers to football stadia construction work, having worked on Raith Rovers' Stark's Park just over two years ago. The chairman and Chief Executive, William Barr, is also chairman of Ayr United and is currently in dispute with Raith concerning £165,000 owed to the construction company for the work. Barr are threatening a liquidation order on Raith Rovers, who in turn claim to be unhappy about certain aspects of the standard of work. Barr are also being lined up to complete Dundee's new stand which should get the go-ahead in the next couple of years.

Squad news

Following a MRI scan on Ross Weatherstone's knee it would appear that he damaged his cruciate ligaments in that vital cup tie at Brentford. Ross will miss the rest of this season and could be out for up to six months. Bearing in mind United's lack of cover at centre back one hopes that United consider it worth entering such a pointless competition.
In today's Oxford Mail Mark Watson is quoted as saying that he has had talks with other clubs (including a Premiership outfit) with a view to moving when he is out of contract in the Summer. Watson claims that he would like to stay at Oxford and thinks he would if he was offered the same as the other players. He is awaiting for Firoz Kassam to get in touch to open negotiations. If Watson leaves, following in the footsteps of Gilchrist and Elliott, United's defence will be in dire straits.