The wait goes on…

And so the land deal remains unsigned, despite assurances from all involved that it would be cleared up this week. It appears that the delay is due to a combination of factors, of which the City Council's inability to pay Thames Water the money they are owed for the breach of the restrictive covenant is possibly the most significant. This amounts to less than half a million pounds, but unfortunately the OCC coffers are empty. The Council will receive £900,000 from Firoz Kassam once the land deal is signed, but TW require the money, or at least a guarantee that they will receive the money, before the transfer can take place. The Council apparently needs further guarantees from Kassam of his long-term intentions for Oxford United and it is therefore quite likely that they will now wait until after the Judicial Review is out of the way (on March 13th unless there are further delays) before being convinced that he will not walk away. If nothing happens within the next few days don't expect the land transfer to be completed until shortly after Nick Pentith is seen off (if indeed he is).

Striker light

The overwhelming majority of Rage Online readers believe that a new striker is the priority need for United, judging by the results of the RO poll. 63% of readers claimed this position is the one most in need of strengthening, with just 13% believing that a creative midfielder is more urgent. 9% of readers claimed that a new centre back is most necessary, with a similar number voting for a new manager.

So it's the return of the Jemmo

In a move which smacks of desparation Oxford have turned to their former striking star Nigel Jemson to try and end the goal drought at the Manor. Jemmo was on a contract with Ayr United but had permission to end the contract early should he get a better offer (Oxford?!?). He scored five goals in nine starts for the Scottish outfit and if he manages that scoring rate in his second spell here he will endear himself to most United supporters (again?). The acid test will be whether his attitude is seen to have improved, following accusations of laziness and arrogance last time he was here. Presumably it's an opportunity for Jemson to put himself back in the shop window and so hopefully he will be trying to be on his best behaviour. Apparently Oxford approached over a dozen players to come to the Manor, either on loan or permanently, but no-one was available, or interested.

South Africa qualify

South Africa became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup with a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo tonight. The DRC only threatened in the closing stages and it took an outflung foot from Andre Arendse to deny Watford forward Felix-Michel Ngonge a goal. Check out CAF Online for further details of what is currently our favourite international competition. Or look here for a match report.

Banger goes off

Nicky Banger was sent off for the second time in his Dundee career inthe game against Kilmarnock last night. He got a second yellow card for diving after being warned for a handball. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, if you really care.