Kassam's playground

Oxford United have informed the waiting masses that the official name for the new ground is to be the Kassam Stadium after, umm, club chairman Firoz Kassam. Presumably this exercise in megalomania is a result of an inability to find a corporate sponsor to invest untold millions in the ground rather than, as claimed, Kassam's way of showing the Oxford supporters that he intends to be around in the long-term.

Rage Online has to express our disappointment in the choice of name, being neither indicative of geographic location nor imaginative and full of character. Firoka Park would have been acceptable, as would Grenoble Road, but it matters little because as far as we're concerned it will always be Minchery Farm.

Wright's right, right

Mark Wright is fast emerging as the favourite for the manager's job at United. Many papers have Wright as either the leading contender or joint favourite with either John Aldridge or Ray Houghton.

Wright resigned from Southport at the weekend, citing the club's lack of ambition by failing to go full time. He was spoken to after Shotton left but United were either unwilling or unable to match Wright's terms. Now that the new stadium is close to completion Kassam may be more adventurous in his contractual dealings than before.

Aldridge has the advantage of being an experienced league manager, although this last season Tranmere struggled, and he is noted for being an advocate of the Kempist direct approach. Houghton, who lost his job at Crystal Palace at the same time as Alan Smith, has no direct managerial experience at league level and is an unknown quantity. The danger with both of these options is that they may do a Malcolm Shotton and tarnish their impeccable playing credentials by failing to deliver the goods as boss.

Wright, although an Oxford old-boy, doesn't share the reputation of the other candidates and, although never having managed a league club before, has done very well with limited resources at Southport. It has also been suggested that if Wright comes to United he may bring his former Liverpool team-mate, and number two at Southport, Mike Marsh with him.

Rage Online favours the Wright appointment, although we concede that it might be interesting if an unknown was appointed, such as former Nepal manager Steve Williamson (?) who has applied for the United post amongst others. This could provide excellent marketing opportunities amongst the chowks of Kathmandu.

Nappy's gone

Last Thursday one of the most familiar faces on the London Road, Andrew Knapton (aka Nappy), died of a heart attack aged 34. Nappy will be known to most London Roaders as the main proponent of the “Give us an O…” chant and his voice will be missed at future United games. At least he was able to witness the U's last Manor match. Contributor A London Roader has written this tribute to Nappy. Rage Online extends our condolences to his family and friends. Please visit United We Stand and sign the message board to remember Nappy.