Oxford United Chairman Grant Ferguson wrote the following notes for the programme for the visit of Carlisle United in the opening home game of the 2023/24 season:
The first home game of the season is always a special occasion, and I am sure there will be a great atmosphere today as we welcome Carlisle. Our visitors will be keen to keep the momentum going after winning promotion last season, and I hope that leads to an entertaining 90 minutes.
It has been a busy summer both on and off the field. Last season fell a long way short of our expectations, and having done a great job in steadying the ship and ensuring we stayed in League 1, Liam and our recruitment team have worked diligently and quickly to bring in players to fit a culture and style of football that we believe will bring us success.
So far, we have eight new players in the squad and, having spent time around the group over the past few weeks, I have seen first-hand how well they have integrated into the squad and the club generally. Having the right characters around the changing room is a key part of success, and I think that was shown in the players’ reactions after defeat at Cambridge last weekend: huge disappointment, immense frustration, accepting responsibly, learning, and an absolute determination to put things right.
Off the pitch, season ticket sales have been very encouraging, so a massive thank you to all who bought a season ticket or membership. Likewise, to everyone who bought the new 2023/24 kit in unprecedented numbers. Both are important to the off-field performance of the club so, again, thank you for your contribution to that. The kit launches were inventive and exciting, and I enjoyed being part of the third kit launch on a roof, among Oxford’s famous dreaming spires. I’m not sure I suited the bucket hats, but they did look great on everyone else!
Football aside, this is an important season for Oxford United, as we await several crucial decisions regarding the proposed new stadium that will shape the future of our football club. An enormous amount of time and effort has been devoted to this project and we have sought to share as much of this as appropriate with both fans and the residents of Kidlington. As we move forward, we remain committed to consulting with, and listening to all the varied stakeholders in the project. Time remains of the essence if we are to have a new home by 2026, but we remain confident, and that, with a successful team, one fit to grace a new stadium, must be our aim.
We will support the Project Team working towards the new stadium, just as we will support Liam while he builds a successful team. We are also committed to the further development of our Women’s team as an integral part of our club; continuing the excellent progress the Academy is making; and extending the clubs outreach to, and engagement with, the many great communities we are proud to be part of.
It’s a long season and there will be plenty of twists and turns. I look forward to sharing the journey with all of you.
Grant Ferguson
You can read the full programme online at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc