Oxford United Chairman Sumrith 'Tiger' Thanakarnjanasuth wrote the following notes for the Sunderland match programme in Sky Bet League One:
I have learned a lot about Karl and his players over the last year or two, and the one thing I think I admire the most is that they never stop believing in each other. Look how many games they have won in the last ten minutes of matches, scoring a late goal to turn a defeat into a draw or a possible draw into an unlikely win.
The last two games have been disappointing, we cannot hide that, but the team has got us into a great position, and we remain in the fight for the play-offs despite two defeats, so now is the time for another strong finish, starting today against Sunderland. This is the message I sent out after Tuesday night’s game: “Heads up, this is not the end yet. Let’s win against Sunderland and go for the play-offs.” We can still achieve what we set out to do, and what better way to start than in front of another sold-out crowd?
I watched the two away games this week on iFollow, and both could so easily have had different results. Plymouth’s goalkeeper was Man of the Match on Saturday and then Morecambe’s keeper was amazing on Tuesday night. It was so frustrating, but if we are making chances and getting into positions then we know we will score goals: no team in the league has scored more this season, so we know those chances will soon start to turn into goals again.
I believe in this team, but can I also take a moment to thank another team? No, not our amazing Women's team who are doing so well this season and won 9-0 last weekend. Not our Academy or Community teams who are doing more great work.
I want to thank one more part of the Oxford United family. Today is a sold-out crowd. We have two games left at home, against MK Dons and Doncaster, and both should have crowds of more than 10,000, and almost every game since Christmas has been a sell-out.
That puts terrific strain on the other Oxford United team, the one behind the scenes who market the games, sell the tickets, make sure everyone enjoys the game in safety, helps everyone buy refreshments, programmes or helps in the restaurants or hospitality areas. So many people love this club and quietly help behind the scenes, and I want them to know that it is truly appreciated, especially on busy days like this. The End of Season Awards are coming soon and there will be an award for Unsung Hero. Really, we have hundreds every matchday.
Finally, I want to highlight once again the club’s community work. It is the EFL’s Week of Action, which highlights the best work that each club does within its local community. Any club needs to work hard on this to become right at the heart of its city and county, and if you look around today then you will see hundreds of young children wearing Oxford United shirts, plus volunteers from a local hospice, Helen & Douglas House, raising funds and awareness for a great cause that helps the whole city.
Tiger
You can read the full programme online at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc