More on Joey

It transpires that an obscure clause in Joey Beauchamp's contract is at the heart of the club's decision to dispense with his services. According to Firoz Kassam the contract states that Joey could have a one year extension to his two year deal provided Oxford United FC finished building the new stadium. However, as Kassam points out, it was in fact Firoka (Stadium) Ltd that completed the ground and therefore, according to the United chairman, this clause in Joey's contract becomes void. Neat.

Joey has taken his claim against the club to the Professional Footballers Association (PFA), which agrees that he has a case and will represent him. It is unclear whether he will be able to get his job back or is just seeking adequate compensation, but we suspect that this one will run and run.

Meanwhile a statement from Kassam stated that Joey would be given a testimonial “if the player asks for one”, which seems to us to be an odd arrangement. If Joey does leave the club, whether amicably or, as appears likely, acrimoniously, then we at Rage Online will be amongst the leaders in lobbying for him to be granted a benefit game against prestigious opposition (which doesn't include swindon or Westam).