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Post by Mark Sennett on Mar 17, 2014 13:41:03 GMT
Please see below a statement from the OxVox committee:
A number of OxVox members have been in contact asking the Trust to seek further information from the board of Oxford United as to when a permanent manger will be appointed.
Over recent weeks we have shared those members’ views with the board so they know are aware of these. At this point we have no further information other than what has been put out in the media in terms of timescales for a permanent appointment. The OxVox committee share the same concerns as the members who have contacted us, as we too would like to see a permanent appointment in place ASAP. The position has been vacant for seven weeks and we'd hope that the board would be in a position to appoint a manager before this weekends' fixtures. If this is not possible we would urge the board to comment further on the timescales as to when a manager will be put in place.
Oxford United has a great opportunity of getting promoted this season and we strongly feel that appointing the right candidate will aid the club's chances of achieving this. However, if circumstances mean the Club won't be able to bring that candidate in in the very near future, supporters need clarity about the rest of the season so that they can concentrate on the promotion push that is still very much in our grasp. We would welcome any news on how the club intends to address this situation and have the best chance of meeting the season's aim of promotion
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Post by CheltenhamYellow on Mar 17, 2014 13:55:28 GMT
Don't you think it's a tad LATE to be saying this NOW? Lewis has already blown our promotion chances.
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Post by Mark Sennett on Mar 17, 2014 13:58:41 GMT
We're still in the playoffs so i wouldn't say our chances have been blown. But form does need to drastically improve obviously.
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Post by baldy on Mar 17, 2014 14:54:37 GMT
Don't you think it's a tad LATE to be saying this NOW? Lewis has already blown our promotion chances. I agree, talk about after the horse has bolted. I think most fans could see the writing on the wall way back. Any pressure will help but you do feel that addressing the situation now is more an after thought than any real desire to see it resolved. I started a thread earlier today saying that the fans were giving him an easy ride and the fact that fans group, Oxvox, are on it now backs up my point exactly.
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Post by Mark Sennett on Mar 17, 2014 15:05:04 GMT
We've had multiple conversations with board on a while now on this. We made the statement to re-enforce that point and a number of members asked us to do so. So we are simply actionin the request of members, which we are here to do. Position is still vacant so it's not too late in that sense. It's also not the first time we asked the question as i said BUT a number of members wanted to see this done publically.
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Post by Si Bradbury on Mar 17, 2014 15:21:13 GMT
Any pressure will help but you do feel that addressing the situation now is more an after thought than any real desire to see it resolved. Mark has been speaking to the Chairman on a fairly regular basis since his return from Australia including providing him with the feedback from members and our views on how the general fan-base were likely to react if poor results continued. This has been a constant topic of conversation. Lenagan is aware of how the fans felt long before Cheltenham and Chesterfield. It has now got worse. OxVox relayed comments to the Board after the Burton game last Saturday, following on from requests from the members who turned up for the Pre-Match AGM and messages sent prior to the meeting. He took them on board. It isn't as if the questions haven't been continually asked. Over the weekend we have been inundated with complaints from frustrated and angry supporters (quite understandable) and have acted upon their requests. This has blown-up since Saturday night, frustration before, anger afterwards. Bearing in mind 10 people are on the committee decisions couldn't be made until this morning. Furthermore no doubt Lenagan will argue he spoke about this only two weeks ago to appraise fans of the process. I am of the opinion our season's success is now going to be based on the Board's decision(s) this week and I hope we get a new manager in.
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Post by mcf86 on Mar 17, 2014 15:47:46 GMT
It's NOT too late to >try< and rectify the situation regarding the managerial position at Oxford United. Never 'too late' when there's points to be gained, and the Board of OUFC (Mr Lenagan & family) must take action, even if -as we suspect- the new manager is currently employed, then the option of an interim manager should be considered, with great urgency. It's very clear Mr Lewis is uncomfortable and out of his depth in a managerial role, the results have been calamitous and threaten to impact in a negative way on our promotion hopes. With two matches looming this week-end it's imperative the board act, to do nothing would not be a popular decision among the rank and file.
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Post by lodeyellow on Mar 18, 2014 6:03:09 GMT
"If this is not possible we would urge the board to comment further on the timescales as to when a manager will be put in place ... We would welcome any news on how the club intends to address this situation and have the best chance of meeting the season's aim of promotion."
How many people seriously believe that we'll see any comment or any news from the club by the end of this week?
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Post by yellowoptimist on Mar 18, 2014 6:57:28 GMT
Any pressure will help but you do feel that addressing the situation now is more an after thought than any real desire to see it resolved. Mark has been speaking to the Chairman on a fairly regular basis since his return from Australia including providing him with the feedback from members and our views on how the general fan-base were likely to react if poor results continued. This has been a constant topic of conversation. Lenagan is aware of how the fans felt long before Cheltenham and Chesterfield. It has now got worse. OxVox relayed comments to the Board after the Burton game last Saturday, following on from requests from the members who turned up for the Pre-Match AGM and messages sent prior to the meeting. He took them on board. It isn't as if the questions haven't been continually asked. Over the weekend we have been inundated with complaints from frustrated and angry supporters (quite understandable) and have acted upon their requests. This has blown-up since Saturday night, frustration before, anger afterwards. Bearing in mind 10 people are on the committee decisions couldn't be made until this morning. Furthermore no doubt Lenagan will argue he spoke about this only two weeks ago to appraise fans of the process. I am of the opinion our season's success is now going to be based on the Board's decision(s) this week and I hope we get a new manager in. Then clearly the chairman does not care about the opinions of oxvox and the fans because in the intervening period he has said nothing. The connection with the fans has been destroyed due to a complete lack of communication and apparent off field leadership. The PR regime at OUFC is non existent and the lack of any personality speaking for the club on a regular basis is having a massive negative impact.
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Post by horseman on Mar 18, 2014 8:40:39 GMT
Anybody confident that as things stand we can overcome any 2 of Burton, Fleetwood, southend, plymouth,york....
it's all very well saying we can achieve promotion but why then don't the club do something to inspire hope again
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Post by witneywannabe on Mar 18, 2014 12:15:25 GMT
Oxvox are about as much use as a chocolate teapot IMO and I can't imagine IL and the board listen to anything Oxvox has to say.
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Post by Si Bradbury on Mar 18, 2014 12:45:06 GMT
Oxvox are about as much use as a chocolate teapot IMO and I can't imagine IL and the board listen to anything Oxvox has to say. Constructive. Whilst we may be as much use as a Chocolate Teapot in some eyes, fortunately the football club do seek the opinions of the Supporters Trust. We have recently put forward our Season Ticket Proposals and recent representation on ticket pricing (Charlton) plus the campaign on Hompophobia and Safe Standing. You may not like it but the club now approach the Supporters Trust.
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Post by oufcyellows on Mar 18, 2014 13:07:24 GMT
Were going to have a homophobic safe standing area
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Post by witneywannabe on Mar 18, 2014 13:14:37 GMT
Oxvox are about as much use as a chocolate teapot IMO and I can't imagine IL and the board listen to anything Oxvox has to say. Constructive. Whilst we may be as much use as a Chocolate Teapot in some eyes, fortunately the football club do seek the opinions of the Supporters Trust. We have recently put forward our Season Ticket Proposals and recent representation on ticket pricing (Charlton) plus the campaign on Hompophobia and Safe Standing. You may not like it but the club now approach the Supporters Trust. Good to see they listened to you about the Charlton ticket prices....... Oh wait that's right they kept them at normal ticket prices!!!!
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Post by lodeyellow on Mar 18, 2014 13:27:59 GMT
Oxvox are about as much use as a chocolate teapot IMO and I can't imagine IL and the board listen to anything Oxvox has to say. You may not like it but the club now approach the Supporters Trust. Did they approach you about sidelining the 12th Man? Or was it the other way round?
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Post by Si Bradbury on Mar 18, 2014 13:36:18 GMT
Constructive. Whilst we may be as much use as a Chocolate Teapot in some eyes, fortunately the football club do seek the opinions of the Supporters Trust. We have recently put forward our Season Ticket Proposals and recent representation on ticket pricing (Charlton) plus the campaign on Hompophobia and Safe Standing. You may not like it but the club now approach the Supporters Trust. Good to see they listened to you about the Charlton ticket prices....... Oh wait that's right they kept them at normal ticket prices!!!! We made representation on behalf of our members concerns and complaints. They explained that reducing FA Cup pricing when playing a Championship wasn't something they felt the need to do. Especially after they heavily discounted the FA Cup pricing for the Gateshead game, or did you forget that?
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Post by scotters on Mar 18, 2014 13:40:15 GMT
Were going to have a homophobic safe standing area Backs to the wall?
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Post by lodeyellow on Mar 18, 2014 13:44:54 GMT
Good to see they listened to you about the Charlton ticket prices....... Oh wait that's right they kept them at normal ticket prices!!!! We made representation on behalf of our members concerns and complaints. They explained that reducing FA Cup pricing when playing a Championship club wasn't something they felt the need to do. Especially after they heavily discounted the FA Cup pricing for the Gateshead game, or did you forget that? Did you go back to them after the game and gently point out that they'd been wrong?
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Post by Si Bradbury on Mar 18, 2014 13:48:49 GMT
You may not like it but the club now approach the Supporters Trust. Did they approach you about sidelining the 12th Man? Or was it the other way round? No Ian. As a result of the decision to walk away from the Yellow Army the CLUB DECIDED that they would not be allowed to sell items in the 12th Man Bar. It's pretty straight-forward. The 12th Man made a decision to shut down the group (and by the way one person on the group told me he wasn't even consulted about shutting the group down). I am not sure why they decided on that as it wasn't there's to shut down, it was a fans initiative from memory. If people didn't want to do it anymore I am sure a plea for help would have seen people pick up the mantle.
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Post by Si Bradbury on Mar 18, 2014 13:54:07 GMT
We made representation on behalf of our members concerns and complaints. They explained that reducing FA Cup pricing when playing a Championship club wasn't something they felt the need to do. Especially after they heavily discounted the FA Cup pricing for the Gateshead game, or did you forget that? Did you go back to them after the game and gently point out that they'd been wrong? I think most people felt it was the wrong decision. No I didn't go back to them to tell them they were wrong. However, I had been grateful for getting reduced FA CUP tickets against Non-League Gateshead and understood the commercial decision to sell tickets at full price when the club were faced with higher league opposition in R3.
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Post by lodeyellow on Mar 18, 2014 14:07:08 GMT
It would, though, have been crazy if the club hadn't discounted tickets for the Gateshead tie, wouldn't it?
As for the 12th Man business, it strikes me as an outsider as rather odd that the club would, just like that, pull the plug on an organisation that's raised almost £60,000 for it over the last six years or so. I'm afraid that I still suspect that there were some manoeuvrings by certain people behind the scenes.
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Post by Mark Sennett on Mar 18, 2014 14:33:21 GMT
Your suspicions are incorrect Ian. It was a club decision. As for Charlton prices, anti-homophobia campaign (which they have now signed up to by the way), safe standing, and general members complaints about management...would you rather we didn't raise these issues? In terms of Charlton tickets I spen several hours on the phone with the club on that topic so we made members views very clear that we felt the club was wrong. Furthermore why is it seen as a problem that the club come asking for our views on things? Ultimately the decision lies with the Lenagans sometimes they will take on board views and implement them other times they won't. That's their perogative.
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Post by horseman on Mar 18, 2014 15:03:34 GMT
Whilst the various groups probably make a decent effort the Major decisions will always be down to the club regardless, who wouldn't swap a lick of paint here and there or some pre match music for a proper crack at automatic promotion when the chance was there.
The club scored a massive own goal re Charlton and are gambling with our promotion chances so let's not kid ourselves, the only time we are ever really thought about is when season tickets go on sale.
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Post by lodeyellow on Mar 18, 2014 15:20:53 GMT
Your suspicions are incorrect Ian. It was a club decision. As for Charlton prices, anti-homophobia campaign (which they have now signed up to by the way), safe standing, and general members complaints about management...would you rather we didn't raise these issues? Just for the record, I am of course completely in favour of the anti-homophobia campaign. Well done, OxVox - seriously. And of course it's good that you raise the other matters, too.
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Post by Long John Silver on Mar 18, 2014 15:52:53 GMT
It would, though, have been crazy if the club hadn't discounted tickets for the Gateshead tie, wouldn't it? As for the 12th Man business, it strikes me as an outsider as rather odd that the club would, just like that, pull the plug on an organisation that's raised almost £60,000 for it over the last six years or so. I'm afraid that I still suspect that there were some manoeuvrings by certain people behind the scenes. I thought that kind of sniping died along with the YV forum. I'm not sure how the 12th man could be sidelined as it was an independant group of supporters who did their own fundraising. But, from BB's post it seems they took the decision upon themselves to disband a fans initiative.... without asking the fans.
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Post by lodeyellow on Mar 18, 2014 16:01:08 GMT
We'll just have to differ then, LJS. Unfortunately one does hear different slants on the issue from different people.
Personally, I felt strongly enough about what had happened to cancel my subscription to OxVox, so best leave it there.
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Post by essexyellows on Mar 18, 2014 16:17:33 GMT
The club scored a massive own goal re Charlton and are gambling with our promotion chances so let's not kid ourselves, the only time we are ever really thought about is when season tickets go on sale. Amen to that. And believe me they had better put a very good package together if they want people to renew. If the season pans out as current form indicates we might just wangle a play off place, if not then I would expect at least a freeze in ST prices. Harsh reality lesson for the club, this far down the ladder you can`t rinse the supporters at every opportunity without a degree of payback, and if their decision to charge full price for the Charlton game is what tips the balance for me renewing or not then it could have been a very costly decision overall.
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Post by Matt D on Mar 18, 2014 22:13:04 GMT
You may not like it but the club now approach the Supporters Trust. Did they approach you about sidelining the 12th Man? Or was it the other way round? this made me smile. i'm tempted to ask you lodeyellow whether you have stopped beating your wife... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_question
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Post by Matt D on Mar 18, 2014 22:21:27 GMT
Whilst the various groups probably make a decent effort the Major decisions will always be down to the club regardless, who wouldn't swap a lick of paint here and there or some pre match music for a proper crack at automatic promotion when the chance was there. The club scored a massive own goal re Charlton and are gambling with our promotion chances so let's not kid ourselves, the only time we are ever really thought about is when season tickets go on sale. true, but then it's true of all football clubs other than those that are owned by their supporters. when the club is owned by someone other than its supporters, supporters' trusts try and influence both the small and the big things to the best of their abilities. on the issue of tickets, as mark and simon say, oxvox spoke to the club about the decision on charlton's pricing and made sure they were aware of many supporters' feelings about this. oxvox also provided them with some recommendations ahead of their discussions for pricing of tickets in the 2014/15 season. you can read what those were and why here: www.oxvox.org.uk/news.aspx?id=514obviously we don't always achieve what we hope to, and sometimes i'm sure we have no effect whatsoever (and i would have thought that once the pricing for the charlton game was announced, that was pretty much that), but i guess the question is whether it's important to have a way to try and make supporters' voices heard.
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Post by lodeyellow on Mar 18, 2014 22:27:15 GMT
Did they approach you about sidelining the 12th Man? Or was it the other way round? this made me smile. i'm tempted to ask you lodeyellow whether you have stopped beating your wife... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loaded_questionBest ask her if you want an honest answer.
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