JR not shot yet

The judicial review hearing into Firoz Kassam’s application for a multiplex cinema at Minchery Farm is still scheduled to go ahead on Monday (Court 26, Justice J.Harrison is the presiding judge; the case is due to commence at 10:30am), although either party could yet request an adjournment for any reason. The case is scheduled to last for three days, but could be either shorter or, more likely, much longer. It is unlikely that a decision will be made immediately but, like the Morrells appeal, will probably be deferred until a later date.

How now Slough Town?

United’s final pre-season friendly will be on Saturday August 5th at Slough Town. Town claim that they are looking to forge very close links with Oxford United, and that both Dennis Smith and Maurice Evans are very close to those involved in the Ryman Premier League club. The Slough manager Steve Browne said that this would be the perfect place for United’s youngsters to play on loan, although whether their supporters would be so keen on the idea of being United’s “nursery club” isn’t so clear. It may be a coincidence that Slough are about to sign former United winger and Blackbird Leys boy Chris Allen.

Slough Chairman Martin Deaner was brought in by United, on Maurice Evans’ recommendation, when John Gunn’s Grenoble Consortium discovered it was unable to cover the club’s debts, but Deaner was also unable to deliver. Deaner is (allegedly) the man responsible for the demise of Newbury Town and his son, Andrew, coincidentally plays for Slough. Former United trainee Eddie Denton also plies his trade for The Rebels, as Slough are pleasantly known. Slough had a friendly at Hayes Town arranged for 5th August, so it’s anyone’s guess how they’re going to sort that one out.

Oxford United however strenuously denied any links.

Under the Hill?

There are reports that Barnet’s former Chief Executive Joan Hill has joined Oxford United. She has presumably joined in the capacity of Marketing Officer, a position that Firoz Kassam has claimed that he has been trying to fill and for which he interviewed a couple of candidates the day after the Annual General Meeting. This news is, however, unconfirmed.

Speculation finally ended

Two ongoing transfer sagas have finally come to a close today as John Dreyer has joined Cambridge from Bradford City on a two year contract and Mark Stein has broken Swansea’s hearts by signing for Luton Town, also for nowt.