|
Post by Junior on Jan 27, 2017 4:06:06 GMT
Re the 4th stand. Was it just for this one game or for the remainder of the season?
If the one game, didn't Eales say it needs to be full 5times for it not to cost the club money? That may be a reason why the club declined the offer.
|
|
|
Post by oxfordyankee on Jan 27, 2017 5:10:12 GMT
FK decides to throw us a bone, just when he needs a bit of positive PR.
I suppose we're all meant to be grateful that he did that? Nothing more than a deflective PR stunt.
Absolute joke.
|
|
|
Post by uptheus on Jan 27, 2017 7:16:36 GMT
FK decides to throw us a bone, just when he needs a bit of positive PR. I suppose we're all meant to be grateful that he did that? Nothing more than a deflective PR stunt. Absolute joke. He cares about us now! Wants to put right his wrongs! Believe that and you'll believe anything.
|
|
|
Post by Junior on Jan 27, 2017 8:24:39 GMT
FK decides to throw us a bone, just when he needs a bit of positive PR. I suppose we're all meant to be grateful that he did that? Nothing more than a deflective PR stunt. Absolute joke. He cares about us now! Wants to put right his wrongs! Believe that and you'll believe anything. Next you'll be telling me he'll be sat in the directors box tomorrow and he'll be at Wembley if we get to the final.. Whatever next..
|
|
|
Post by canterburyexile on Jan 27, 2017 8:34:32 GMT
I applaud what Oxvox are trying to achieve, and if it comes off we will all be delighted, including Darryl. However, the latest Oxvox statement does contain some elements that are critical/judgemental of DE and the Board. Whilst DE is not above justified criticism, Oxvox need to tread carefully. The vast majority of fans recognise DE is the best and most popular owner the club has had in decades, maybe ever. Oxvox may be applauded for their stadium initiative but if Darryl did allow his frustration and irritation to lead to his departure Oxvox would then almost certainly be held heavily responsible by the vast majority of fans maybe the latest Oxvox statement has been misinterpreted by some of us and I hope that in reality Darryl and Oxvox are singing from the same hymn sheet!.If Darryl walked so, almost certainly, would Mapp...our best manager in years. Re the offer of a 4th stand for Newcastle game ( thrown in as a further issue, ie FK kindly offered, the Board rejected) - if it was just for the Cup game the cost of erecting it then dusmantling would far outweigh the benefits! I worry that Kassam is cleverly manipulating Oxvox but trust they are wise to this.
|
|
|
Post by Gary Baldi on Jan 27, 2017 8:43:31 GMT
Just read this and I'm worried that this is going to further inflame the situation. Although the work OxVox are doing is good, only around 15% of our fanbase are members and I don't want to see the divisions become wider and DE feels as though his position is untenable. I'm a half glass empty person - so if DE says enough is enough, could OxVox keep the club sustainable until the stadium is resolved? It's turning into a potentially dangerous situation with two sides not on the same page. I had a similar feeling last night and again this morning. I am absolutely behind OxVox for getting this far (and applaud them for doing so), but I feel like I did when the club released their stuff. Understandable, but not relevant to the wider world. DE was right a while ago. Everyone needs to get into a room together.
|
|
|
Post by carefreeoufc on Jan 27, 2017 9:09:01 GMT
The time and effort being spent by Oxvox is admirable and I for one hope things work their course as smoothly as possible.
As has been said on previous threads and communicated in the media I would guess that the reason oufc are looking for a quicker resolution is as a result of either interest already shown by a third party or the clubs belief that it would improve the possibility of additional investment.
I have no doubt that those in Oxvox are going into this eyes wide open, however, I can't help but feel that this is just a delaying tactic by FK. He could schedule ammicable meetings from now until 2050 for all he cares while throwing scraps here and there (4th stand). If anything it would appear to me that FK is seeking to split the good will between Oxvox and oufc. He has "expressed concerns over the conduct of the clubs communications etc.). The latest release (Imo) doesn't sound as though anything has moved forward since the last one. Obviously there may have been substantial moves that can't be discussed but I can't see this being resolved this season at all.
If it comes off then great but I have a slightly worrying feeling that the club and Oxvox will drift further apart as will sections of the fan base. Meanwhile FK will continue to drip feed promises through to next season.
DE and Co have been a revelation and I'd be gutted if more drastic actions were to be taken on either side.
|
|
|
Post by headingtonutd on Jan 27, 2017 9:15:33 GMT
I applaud what Oxvox are trying to achieve, and if it comes off we will all be delighted, including Darryl. However, the latest Oxvox statement does contain some elements that are critical/judgemental of DE and the Board. Whilst DE is not above justified criticism, Oxvox need to tread carefully. The vast majority of fans recognise DE is the best and most popular owner the club has had in decades, maybe ever. Oxvox may be applauded for their stadium initiative but if Darryl did allow his frustration and irritation to lead to his departure Oxvox would then almost certainly be held heavily responsible by the vast majority of fans maybe the latest Oxvox statement has been misinterpreted by some of us and I hope that in reality Darryl and Oxvox are singing from the same hymn sheet!.If Darryl walked so, almost certainly, would Mapp...our best manager in years. Re the offer of a 4th stand for Newcastle game ( thrown in as a further issue, ie FK kindly offered, the Board rejected) - if it was just for the Cup game the cost of erecting it then dusmantling would far outweigh the benefits! I worry that Kassam is cleverly manipulating Oxvox but trust they are wise to this. While I agree with your sentiment that OxVox need to tread a careful line and, like you, think DE is a great owner, I take a massive issue with you suggesting that the vast majority of fans would hold OxVox heavily responsible if DE got frustrated and left. Why would OxVox trying to do what the board have repeatedly said they would welcome with open arms make them responsible for him leaving?? Are you telling me that he is happy to stay loosing millions and dealing with Kassam but that a group of supporters trying to do the best for the club, and directly for us the supporters, would be the reason he left? Sorry but that is nonsense. It is also pretty insulting to a group of fans trying to sort out one of the biggest issues the club has faced in decades and having got further than any previous owner to date. What exactly would you like them to do? Are you a member of OxVox? If so did you vote in the elections? Have you messaged them to voice your concern? I'd be interested to know how many other fans would actually share your 'almost certain' assertion.
|
|
|
Post by mcf86 on Jan 27, 2017 9:15:52 GMT
'Divide and conquer' tactics by the ogb.
|
|
|
Post by upthecowboys on Jan 27, 2017 9:18:42 GMT
Thoroughly professional statement as expected.
I look forward to hearing the responses to the questions asked of the club by Oxvox. The statement in parts is critical of DE / OUFCs recent approach, and there is nothing wrong with that. DE has been a fantastic owner but surely is not above constructive criticism. Much of the recent communication from the club - recent post match interview with DE being the exception - has come across as sniping and unhelpful.
|
|
|
Post by Pete Burrett on Jan 27, 2017 9:22:22 GMT
Thoroughly professional statement as expected. I look forward to hearing the responses to the questions asked of the club by Oxvox. The statement in parts is critical of DE / OUFCs recent approach, and there is nothing wrong with that. DE has been a fantastic owner but surely is not above constructive criticism. Much of the recent communication from the club - recent post match interview with DE being the exception - has come across as sniping and unhelpful. I rarely read a more lengthy post that I totally agree with, but this is one. Well expressed, sir.
|
|
|
Post by ZeroTheHero on Jan 27, 2017 9:26:02 GMT
The vast majority of fans recognise DE is the best and most popular owner the club has had in decades, maybe ever. Oxvox may be applauded for their stadium initiative but if Darryl did allow his frustration and irritation to lead to his departure Oxvox would then almost certainly be held heavily responsible by the vast majority of fans I do hope not, as that would be completely ridiculous. OxVox are quite obviously trying to negotiate a deal that nobody else has managed to get even close to sorting out. As has been repeatedly said, OxVox are the only people involved in the negotiations who have nothing to gain apart from the good of the club. I am sure if they could get a sensible deal signed, sealed and delivered tomorrow then they would. But the truth is that the other people involved in the talks have different motives. As you say, Kassam might be playing silly games (although I'm not sure why he would bother), the Council might decide it's too much of a political risk, there might be other investors to persuade to help out etc etc etc. The club has said that they agree with these discussions taking place, it seems as if it is the timescale that is giving them problems. That is IMO very unlikely to be anything to do with OxVox!
|
|
|
Post by canterburyexile on Jan 27, 2017 9:38:42 GMT
I do not think its the efforts by Oxvox to secure the stadium that might irritate DE. However some parts of their latest statement might do so. I do not think it helpful to criticise the Board's stance at this delicate stage nor to suggest FK is annoyed by the Club's stance. I worry that FK is playing games, possibly caused by thearbitration on service charges that the C,ub has initiated. I just read the statement and had misgivings. Let us hope it all comes good and the club can move forward under Darryl and Mapp, maybe with a stadium out of Kassam's clutches at last.
|
|
|
Post by charliesghost on Jan 27, 2017 9:44:34 GMT
Just read this and I'm worried that this is going to further inflame the situation. Although the work OxVox are doing is good, only around 15% of our fanbase are members and I don't want to see the divisions become wider and DE feels as though his position is untenable. I'm a half glass empty person - so if DE says enough is enough, could OxVox keep the club sustainable until the stadium is resolved? It's turning into a potentially dangerous situation with two sides not on the same page. I had a similar feeling last night and again this morning. I am absolutely behind OxVox for getting this far (and applaud them for doing so), but I feel like I did when the club released their stuff. Understandable, but not relevant to the wider world. DE was right a while ago. Everyone needs to get into a room together. But there is nothing to discuss. What part of 'confidential commercial negotiations' don't you understand? If the issues at stake are sensitive to OCC and FIROKA then they don't want them aired in public (or through interminable public discussion) before the deal is actually finalised. This. Is. Normal. What would be speeded up by 'everyone being in a room'? Last Friday, parties WERE in a room. And significant progress was made (if we're to believe Jeremy Faulkner, which I do). Do you believe that Firoz would have made FASTER progress if someone who is currently taking him to court was there as well? Really? Listen, I don't have a dog in this fight. It's reasonably common knowledge on this forum that I would rather that we were investigating WE right now, that I have been quite critical of my old friends on OxVox and that I have been consistently praising of DE, whose stewardship of the club over the last couple of years has enabled me to actually show my kids that watching Oxford United can be fun (just before it got too late!) But that doesn't mean that I cannot see the writing on the wall. Which is that it is highly likely now that this deal is going to be done and that therefore the biggest obstacle to the club's future sustainability is likely to be resolved in the next four months. Four months!!! After all these years! Under these circumstances, I find it very hard to come to terms with any so-called supporter who is blasé about jeopardising that for any reason whatsoever. Few people know how close we came to financial disaster in the Patterson era. That cannot happen again. For those of us like Jem, Colin, Simon, Trevor etc who are veterans of OUFC financial fall-outs, the prize of finally cutting free from the wreckage of the post-Maxwell days is a very dear one. Would I be happy if DE sticks around to be the chairman who benefits from this being sorted out on his behalf? Absolutely. But if he decides (understandably) to walk (which he has said he won't do, by the way) then between what he has put in place on the pitch and what OxVox are doing off the pitch, OUFC would be in its best position for a very, very long time. We would be a reasonably attractive proposition to own. What this statement calls for - quite patently - is for a big, grown-up deep breath in and for us members to behave in an adult way. Some of the chin-wobbling in recent posts is pathetic, childish and laughable. Not people one would have wanted in the trenches!
|
|
|
Post by arthurturner on Jan 27, 2017 10:04:20 GMT
Spot on, Charlie. Agree entirely with your well made comments.
|
|
|
Post by horseman on Jan 27, 2017 10:07:36 GMT
It appears somebody is trying to be very clever
If there are "issues" between DE and FK that has prevented a temp 4th stand previously why is there not a statement saying the club were offered the temp stand for the rest of the season why just for this one game when requests appear to have been denied previously so why now?
|
|
|
Post by arthurturner on Jan 27, 2017 10:08:10 GMT
You have to have some sympathy for Theresa May. She has to try and negotiate the best deal for Britain on Brexit and two thirds of MP's want to be at the negotiating table with her and to know her bottom line. Seems a lot of OUFC fans want to behave the same.
|
|
|
Post by arthurturner on Jan 27, 2017 10:10:16 GMT
It appears somebody is trying to be very clever If there are "issues" between DE and FK that has prevented a temp 4th stand previously why is there not a statement saying the club were offered the temp stand for the rest of the season why just for this one game when requests appear to have been denied previously so why now? Well maybe the offer was made but not in time to make it operational. May be Kassam is trying to be less unhelpful as these talks progress. Patience, people.
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Jan 27, 2017 10:11:57 GMT
Quite possibly my favourite post of yours ever charlie.
|
|
|
Post by charliesghost on Jan 27, 2017 10:17:13 GMT
You have to have some sympathy for Theresa May. She has to try and negotiate the best deal for Britain on Brexit and two thirds of MP's want to be at the negotiating table with her and to know her bottom line. Seems a lot of OUFC fans want to behave the same. But in the Brexit negotiations, those that claim they want to know the detail of her negotiating strategy are those who want to prevent Brexit from being negotiated. Whereas in this case the people trying to sabotage the negotiation include only parties (fans and Board) who stand to win by it. It would be like Nigel Farage trying to prevent Brexit by destroying Theresa May's negotiating hand. The gist of some people"s comments on here is that they would rather the deal with Kassam was not done if it meant that Darryl stays. Can they not see that the situation is precisely the opposite. The moment to worry about Darryl - or any other reputable owner - not wanting to own and fund our football club is if OxVox' negotiations fail! Reading comments from finlandia rose-tinted etc is like being dropped into Alice in Wonderland. A weoird and wonderful world where counter-intuition reigns. 'f*ck up the stadium issue to help Darryl!' said the Queen of Hearts.
|
|
|
Post by Mark on Jan 27, 2017 10:19:33 GMT
Re the 4th stand. Was it just for this one game or for the remainder of the season? If the one game, didn't Eales say it needs to be full 5times for it not to cost the club money? That may be a reason why the club declined the offer. In particularly bad timing, the club announce today that it would have sold it out if it had been in place.
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Jan 27, 2017 10:21:43 GMT
I could understand the the board and fans backing Darryl if he had an alternative plan( and by backing him I mean just on the stadium). But his plan is now oxvox. Read what Darryl says ultimately if oxvox fail he can't afford to keep us going and we could end up playing at Wycombe or reading. Oxvox have not had a dig at the club they are just replying to the shots that the club fired across the bow. Put simply Darryls plan is relying on oxvox, oufc long term future is relying on oxvox. Who do u think should have our full support ?
|
|
|
Post by horseman on Jan 27, 2017 10:30:19 GMT
It appears somebody is trying to be very clever If there are "issues" between DE and FK that has prevented a temp 4th stand previously why is there not a statement saying the club were offered the temp stand for the rest of the season why just for this one game when requests appear to have been denied previously so why now? Well maybe the offer was made but not in time to make it operational. May be Kassam is trying to be less unhelpful as these talks progress. Patience, people. if it was made without sufficiant time how is that being "less unhelpful" ? My main point was why a statement does not say "for the rest of the season" and beyond rather than just offered for this one game As i said somebody is trying to be very clever
|
|
|
Post by Pete Burrett on Jan 27, 2017 10:31:30 GMT
I could understand the the board and fans backing Darryl if he had an alternative plan( and by backing him I mean just on the stadium). But his plan is now oxvox. Read what Darryl says ultimately if oxvox fail he can't afford to keep us going and we could end up playing at Wycombe or reading. Oxvox have not had a dig at the club they are just replying to the shots that the club fired across the bow. Put simply Darryls plan is relying on oxvox, oufc long term future is relying on oxvox. Who do u think should have our full support ? .... and a lot of the criticism of OxVox's statement seems to be around it being 'negative' or even - heaven forbid - confrontational towards Mr Eales, and / or not providing microscopic detail of what (most people realise) must be discussions cloaked in a confidentiality agreement. Mr Eales (he is wonderful, etc) is not above criticism. The OUFC board are not above making threatening statements. There is no other viable plan - given the well-versed problems with Water Eaton or similar - for retrieving the stadium from Kassam than the community asset one being pursued by OxVox / OCC / Kassam. Mr Eales does not have the financial resources to bank roll us should we reach the Championship. If the community stadium idea falls by the wayside and / or Mr Eales walks, I await the bleating of a few who will blame the whole failure on OxVox, but who won't be able to substantiate that claim.
|
|
|
Post by charliesghost on Jan 27, 2017 10:35:09 GMT
I could understand the the board and fans backing Darryl if he had an alternative plan( and by backing him I mean just on the stadium). But his plan is now oxvox. Read what Darryl says ultimately if oxvox fail he can't afford to keep us going and we could end up playing at Wycombe or reading. Oxvox have not had a dig at the club they are just replying to the shots that the club fired across the bow. Put simply Darryls plan is relying on oxvox, oufc long term future is relying on oxvox. Who do u think should have our full support ? Not sure that is quite right, actually. DE said on the radio that he could fund the club in Leagues 1 and 2 'all day long'. What this is all about is progress to the Championship. Which is a lovely carrot to dangle, but if we are being serious and responsible, the club is not yet in the right place to fund a 11 million wage budget. There is work to be done! The stadium needs to be wrested out of FK's hands, then we need either to spend very large amount on the current ground or have a plan to move to a new one. Either way, we are going to need 20k capacity to really 'have a go' in the Championship. It wouldn't be responsible to load the club up with debt to take a punt. If we were lucky enough to make it to the Championship before these issues are properly completed - so this season or maybe next - then I'm sure that the Board would be sensible and hedge its bets. We would understand and be supportive. This should all be about the medium term, not the short term.
|
|
|
Post by scoob on Jan 27, 2017 10:38:30 GMT
Well I'm way more confident than that, they Definitely wouldn't, and nor would the council In that case a simple sentence in one of the statements would suffice "A price has been agreed after x months of negotiations and we believe as a committee that it is achievable" I see no substance in any of the recent statements from Oxvox. This last statement is just tit for tat and I'm not impressed at all. If there is nothing new to add then don't comment. Oxvox or more likely FK are basically making threats. What nonsense. Oxvox have been forced into making a further statement due to the nature of the Board's recent statements. Oxvox have made it absolutely clear that they have kept the Board as up to date as they are able and have been working to a timeframe from day one. The price will be dependant upon many factors that are probably still to be settled. What is unusual about that? They must have at least a rough idea what it will be and that the price is viable or they would not be proceeding. The long term cost including financing and development is the key and this is more important than the Initial purchase price. I wonder what is going on at OUFC Ltd to make the recent press releases necessary. Ok state that there is urgency but why suggest that they have not been informed when they clearly have? Oxvox had no choice but to respond especially after the conjecture on social media and elsewhere. Now the position is absolutely clear!
|
|
|
Post by Yellow River on Jan 27, 2017 10:39:04 GMT
Good work OxVox. Patience is key here.
Kassam not standing in the way of the temporary stand and the opening up of the restaurant for the Newcastle game, coincidence? Anyway it's a small gesture from Kassam sadly it is too late for the Swindon & Northampton games.
One word of advice to the OUFC board, your worded statements on the whole do not come across well, get Daryl to do face to face interviews, much better PR on behalf of the the club.
|
|
|
Post by arthurturner on Jan 27, 2017 11:15:35 GMT
I am becoming increasingly uncertain who is wagging the tail here, Darryl or the OUFC Board. I cannot believe that Darryl has relinquished control to the Board, after all it's his money and he put them there. I go back to the decision to support the EFL in allowing Under21/23 teams in the Trophy. The Club voted for it at the EFL AGM in Portugal. Darryl wasn't there and says he was against it. Really? The Board voted for something that the owner wasn't in agreement with? Maybe it's more subtle; maybe Darryl sees the Board as his shield so they get the flak and he avoids it.This is in no way a criticism of Darryl who has been brilliant and possibly the best Chairman ever but some of the stuff coming from the Board is puzzling and not particularly helpful to OxVox who are manfully endeavouring to solve the seemingly unsolvable and need all the support they can get.
|
|
|
Post by shosho on Jan 27, 2017 11:45:18 GMT
I could understand the the board and fans backing Darryl if he had an alternative plan( and by backing him I mean just on the stadium). But his plan is now oxvox. Read what Darryl says ultimately if oxvox fail he can't afford to keep us going and we could end up playing at Wycombe or reading. Oxvox have not had a dig at the club they are just replying to the shots that the club fired across the bow. Put simply Darryls plan is relying on oxvox, oufc long term future is relying on oxvox. Who do u think should have our full support ? .... and a lot of the criticism of OxVox's statement seems to be around it being 'negative' or even - heaven forbid - confrontational towards Mr Eales, and / or not providing microscopic detail of what (most people realise) must be discussions cloaked in a confidentiality agreement. Mr Eales (he is wonderful, etc) is not above criticism. The OUFC board are not above making threatening statements. There is no other viable plan - given the well-versed problems with Water Eaton or similar - for retrieving the stadium from Kassam than the community asset one being pursued by OxVox / OCC / Kassam. Mr Eales does not have the financial resources to bank roll us should we reach the Championship. If the community stadium idea falls by the wayside and / or Mr Eales walks, I await the bleating of a few who will blame the whole failure on OxVox, but who won't be able to substantiate that claim. As I see it, no issue with the Oxvox statement and fully support it. That's the role of a supporters group isn't it? To hold the club to account. Everyone realises the positive impact DE has had on the club, but nothing wrong with Oxvox questioning recent statements. It's clear DE and Jem have a good relationship, both businessmen and both, I'm sure, can take some constructive criticism. It's all for the future progress of OUR club. If we have to wait a few months for things to become clear, so be it. That's a drop in the ocean compared to the years we have been shackled.
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Jan 27, 2017 12:18:04 GMT
I could understand the the board and fans backing Darryl if he had an alternative plan( and by backing him I mean just on the stadium). But his plan is now oxvox. Read what Darryl says ultimately if oxvox fail he can't afford to keep us going and we could end up playing at Wycombe or reading. Oxvox have not had a dig at the club they are just replying to the shots that the club fired across the bow. Put simply Darryls plan is relying on oxvox, oufc long term future is relying on oxvox. Who do u think should have our full support ? Not sure that is quite right, actually. DE said on the radio that he could fund the club in Leagues 1 and 2 'all day long'. What this is all about is progress to the Championship. Which is a lovely carrot to dangle, but if we are being serious and responsible, the club is not yet in the right place to fund a 11 million wage budget. There is work to be done! The stadium needs to be wrested out of FK's hands, then we need either to spend very large amount on the current ground or have a plan to move to a new one. Either way, we are going to need 20k capacity to really 'have a go' in the Championship. It wouldn't be responsible to load the club up with debt to take a punt. If we were lucky enough to make it to the Championship before these issues are properly completed - so this season or maybe next - then I'm sure that the Board would be sensible and hedge its bets. We would understand and be supportive. This should all be about the medium term, not the short term. For once I think we are actually agreeing. At the min there is only two options, stay as we are which has the club in court and struggling to get any extra revenues, or the oxvox route . There are no other options on the table. There should be, the club should have a plan b. But they don't
|
|