Today’s news that Firoz Kassam has decided to remain at Oxford United for the foreseeable future is good news indeed. Although there’s still a long way to go before the club is on an even keel Kassam’s presence goes a long way to ensuring stability, at least in the short-term.

There may still be a number of question marks over Kassam and his background, due to his sudden appearance on the scene from apparent anonymity, but there can be no doubt that he now has the backing of the large majority of Oxford supporters who, for the first time in a generation, have a chairman they feel they can believe in. Whilst it still remains to be seen whether or not this trust is misplaced, for now it has to be recognised that Kassam is the best option there is for United’s survival, and if he feels that involves a multiplex to fund the new stadium then what can we do but support him?

Of course this support has to be qualified. At the end of the day what we want to see is a thriving football club playing at a new stadium at Minchery Farm. If, due to Pentith or for any other reason, the multiplex doesn’t happen but an alternative source of funding for the ground presents itself, then we shouldn’t hesitate to ditch plan A and turn to plan B. Indeed, if Kassam at any points decides to leave and someone else enters onto scene with the necessary wherewithal to complete the ground and ensure the club’s survival then we would have to seriously consider offering them our support.

That is not to say that support would be unconditional. It cannot be over-emphasised that the most important priority is the long-term health of Oxford United, and whilst short-term survival is obviously a major step towards achieving it, that in itself is not enough. If someone wants to and is able to make large sums of money for themselves whilst ensuring United’s prosperity then fair enough, but if the club’s long-term future is in any way compromised by someone wanting to use the club as a means to their own profits then that must be resisted.

For now, Firoz Kassam is the man with the best chance of keeping Oxford United in business, despite all the obstacles which have beset him at every turn. If the last few remaining problems (Pentith, Morrells, Wells, Thames Water, who knows what else?) can be overcome with Kassam still at the helm then the future would be bright indeed for United. The only player Oxford have sold this season is Phil Gilchrist, who deserved his chance of Premiership football and who wanted to leave. This in itself is worthy of praise, and is unusual for a United side used to selling its best players for less than they are worth. Should the club remain in business and in Division Two then next season there is a very real chance that Firoz Kassam could lead us back into the First Division.