FOUL farewell

Fighting for Oxford United's Life (FOUL) holds its final meeting tomorrow evening at the Kassam Stadium, when it hands over the duties of an independent supporters group to whatever phoenix emerges from its flames. FOUL was formed on November 10th 1998, almost exactly three years ago, with the intention of doing whatever was necessary to ensure the long-term survival of Oxford United as a professional league football club. The relocation from the Manor to the new ground at Minchery Farm ensured that its work was done.

Tomorrow's meeting, which starts at 7.00pm in the Exhibition Bar, will feature talks from three speakers, one from Supporters Direct, one from Leyton Orient Fans Trust (LOFT), and one from Friends of Luton Action Group (FLAG) who will explain the options open to supporters wishing to form either a Supporters Trust or an Independent Supporters Association (ISA). It will then be up to those present to determine the way forward, if any, for an Oxford United supporters body. Officials from Oxford United have agreed to meet representatives of the new entity on December 6th.

Staggering news

Ted McMinn and Mark Wright were successful in their appeal to the FA to have their touchline bans staggered. Originally their sentences were to run concurrently following McMinn's dismissal at Exeter and Wright's red card against Scunthorpe. Now Wright will serve his four match ban, starting on Tuesday at Orient, before McMinn starts his two game suspension.