The news this week that Heads of Agreement were finally signed by Firoz Kassam and Oxford City Council, after months of apparent delays and unforeseen hiccups, comes as extremely welcome news indeed. This is a significant step forward and a welcome signal of intent that both parties will proceed to closure. The caveat is that signing heads is not legally binding and there is still a possibility, admittedly now remote, that either side could still withdraw from the deal. The full agreement remains to be signed, John Tanner promising that it will happen within three weeks after which nothing, in theory, can prevent the completion of the stadium (although the champagne should be kept on ice until the first game kicks off in Minchery Farm). It is also a welcome sign that both Kassam and the Council are to each sign a letter stating that they will complete the land transfer, a document which apparently does have legal significance.

The news of the signing of Heads should have overshadowed the appointments of Lewis as coach and Harford as Technical Director, although not being as dramatic the local media didn’t see it as quite so newsworthy. It has to be said that Kassam couldn’t have played the appointments any better. The popular choice was for Lewis to be given the post, but there were concerns over his ability in the transfer market and whether he would be able to attract quality players to the club. Others were arguing that Kassam had to prove his commitment to the football club by appointing a big name as a signal of his ambition, and Harford fits the bill. It’s also fair to say that, whilst Harford’s managerial record isn’t fantastic, his reputation and knowledge will be exactly what the club requires.

Also, by only making the contracts last until the end of the season is also a clever move. Should the partnership prove to be unsuccessful then the new season (hopefully in the new stadium) can start with a clean slate. Providing the division of roles and responsibilities is clearly defined from the outset then there is no reason why this partnership approach shouldn’t work, although a lot is down to the personalities of the individuals involved. Harford can appear stern and taciturn (although boring might be a better description), whilst Lewis is obviously very enthusiastic and still optimistic. Hopefully these will prove complementary qualities. Whatever happens there should be enough quality in United’s squad, with whoever Harford is able to attract to the club, to ensure survival for this season allowing next season to be the springboard to better things.

Once again, in all this week’s dealings, Firoz Kassam has proved himself to be a master tactician, and he has hardly put a foot wrong since his arrival. Despite many obstacles Kassam has stuck by his original claims, even to the extent of paying off Taylor Woodrow due to their constant downgrading of the specifications of the new stadium. Instead Kassam has been in discussions with three other contractors and it would be ironic indeed if he awards the tender to McAlpine, who were the original developers before Keith Cox sacked them when he received a cheaper quote from Taylor Woodrow. Should everything go according to plan in the next few weeks and building recommence by mid-December, as seems likely, then the only outstanding issues – Les Wells’ caution and Nick Pentith’s judicial review – should hopefully become irrelevant, at least in terms of completing the stadium. Then all United supporters will be concerned about is just when the fourth side of the ground will get built. Let’s hope that supporter numbers will make it a necessity sooner, rather than later.