OUFC Fans Forum outcome

Oxford United board members Ian Lenagan and his two sons Adrian and Simon gave a very informative talk to over 200 fans.

Ian stated he went into the meeting with apprehension due to the negative events over the last couple of weeks but at the end he said it was the most enjoyable fans forum he had been involved in.

Key points to come out of the forum were:

The objective for Chris Wilder and the first team are to reach the play-offs but the target is to get promoted.

A Target is to reach the championship within a five year period.

With Peter Leven’s now documented injury the club is currently looking for creative. Midfielder this signing will not happen until at least 14th February. This will ensure that the club would then be able to use the player in the play offs as the maximum duration of the loan would be 93 days.

Ian Lenagan confirmed the club has received quite a few emails on the subject of Luke McCormick. The club feel strongly that Luke has served his time and deserves a second chance.

Next season will see the club create a development squad for 16 to 19-year-old players. Friendlies will be arranged for the development squad which will include senior pros who need match fitness. This will cost the club approximately £100,000.

The 2011/12 budget had a forecast of £210,000 loss and it actually made a loss of £760,000.

For 2012/13 the club had budgeted to make a £40,000 profit but now is expecting to make a projected loss of £660,000.

The club will actively be looking to recruit a sales and marketing director.

Despite reports in the local media the club is 99% confident it will retain and improve its training facilities in Horspath.

It`s not expected any movement will happen on purchasing the stadium for at least 18 months while London Welsh secure their future in the rugby premiership and potentially stay in Oxford.

The club plans to set up an advisory committee which will advise the board on all possible options to do with either purchasing the stadium or even potentially entertaining the idea of moving away from the Kassam stadium in the future

Some players had not been subjected to a medical. Andy Lord now ensures thorough fitness tests are carried out by all potential new signings.

The wage budget for next season will remain at £1.2 million.
No news is yet available on who will be the club’s main sponsor next season.

Plans are afoot to allow fans to watch the development squad and the ladies teams either via streaming or highlights on the yellow player.

The club is currently looking at season tickets and match tickets for next season and is considering all options.