Firoz says ‘Hooray’

Firoz Kassam today announced his pleasure at Pentith’s withdrawal of the judicial review and reiterated what an important step this is. Pentith will be unable to reapply for another review should things go pear-shaped for him as the time limit since the granting of the planning permission has already expired. Kassam said that he was hopeful of hearing the result of the Morrells appeal by the end of the week, which remains the other serious hindrance to signing the contract with Barr Construction before the contractors can go on site. Kassam doesn’t believe that the Les Wells caution is of any significance and will recommence building work even if it hasn’t yet been lifted: “we’ve built half the stadium, I don’t think anyone will ask us to knock it down”. Kassam was also unfazed by the prospect of another multiplex on the Oxpens site, claiming that Oxfordshire has the capacity for two such complexes.

Porter to carry goalie’s gloves

Chris Porter, as 21 year old Maccem, has joined United on their pre-season tour of the south coast on loan as cover for Richard Knight. Porter joined Darlington in March but failed to get a game for them. Meanwhile former ‘keeper Andre Arendse has joined Capetown club Santos on a three year deal.

Watty one step closer to home?

Following Canada’s 2-0 defeat at home to Trinidad and Tobago last night there is an increasing possibility that United centre-back Mark Watson, now officially a free agent, might yet return to the Manor, as this defeat makes it unlikely that the Canadians will qualify for the World Cup finals. Whether or not Watson is persona non grata at Oxford is uncertain, although Oxford fans would probably breathe a big sigh of relief if the big man signed up.