Oxford United Chairman Grant Ferguson writes in the Peterborough United programme:
I must start my notes this week with a massive thank you to everyone involved in the medical incident at our last home game against Wycombe. From the fans who first alerted the medical team to the situation, right through to the safety team and the entire backroom team, the club did the right things and I believe saved a life. We talk about the ‘Oxford United Family’, and I thought it was very much in evidence throughout that incident; thank you to the fans who were so understanding and patient. The supporter involved is doing well and we are in regular contact with him and his family, and I hope he will soon be able to again come to a game.
I think the incident left many of us in a reflective mood, but it certainly didn’t distract our attention from the performance and result that day. Losing, and losing in front of the biggest crowd of the season so far, was massively disappointing for everyone concerned. The shareholders and your Board’s aspirations for the club are clear, and that result was a stark reminder that there is much work to be done, on and off the pitch. That work has started, and plans are being developed, but it is never lost on us that you, the fans, are the heart and soul of this club and we are therefore very conscious of the frustration you are feeling right now.
We took a step in the right direction with a great win at Exeter last Saturday and now that must be the start of a consistent run of results. The Sutton game this past week was disappointing as we wanted to do well in the Trophy, but it was a very different team to the one that won at Exeter, giving Karl a chance to look at some of his options. Today will see a more familiar line up and a chance to measure ourselves against one of the best teams in the league. Let’s see if we can get back-to-back league wins that would truly kick start our season.
I imagine some of you have turned to this page to see if the Chairman has given the manager the dreaded ‘Vote of Confidence’! There is no point to me doing that. After a quarter of the season, we are nowhere near where we want to be, and Karl knows and cares about that as much as anyone. He, the players and the coaching staff know results need to improve and I see a determination across the club to make that happen. We all believe they will and the best way to make that happen is for Oxford to be united this afternoon, so please get behind the team, encourage and support them to get an important three points on the board today.
Grant
You can read the full programme online at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc