Oxford United's CEO Tim Williams wrote the following programme notes for tonight's Sky Bet League One tie against Stevenage:
A warm welcome to all our supporters, to the Stevenage team and to their fans who have made the journey to be with us for tonight’s match and for what is our last home league game of the season, though hopefully not our last actual home game of the season...
After that fantastic win against Peterborough last Saturday, it was a shame we couldn’t continue the run with a victory against Lincoln on Tuesday night, but even so, having secured nine points in the last four games and improved our goal difference by a staggering 12, I am still very hopeful for the prospect of a play-off place by the time we head to Exeter for our final league game next weekend.
What has struck me about the last two games is you, our supporters. When we needed to be all united, the atmosphere in the stadium for both of our last two games has been exceptional, and I hope that can continue into tonight’s hugely important game. It’s been incredible to see 20,000 of you come together over the space of four days for our games with Peterborough and Lincoln City, and this unity, colour and passion is going to be crucial tonight once again. What a fitting way to end our season, with a televised, Friday night game under the lights.
This time last year was a very different way to end the season, and whatever happens tonight and next Saturday, the club has made massive progress in the last 12 months, and I for one am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved this year.
With all that said, I want to take this opportunity to reflect a little on how the entire season comes together and to thank all of you who play a part in what makes this great sport happen week in and week out.
From the people in the ticket office, the security staff and stewards who make our stadium a safe and welcoming place to come, to all the staff behind the scenes, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for what you do and the way you do it. To the countless volunteers and members of supporters’ groups who give up their time for no reward other than the joy of doing it and their love for the club, I thank you too. And for everyone from Oxford United in the Community, OUSP and OxVox, thank you for your contribution to the matchday experience, and for being that critical friend who will help, advise, and sometimes cajole us into doing things differently.
And last, but by no means least. To you, our supporters. I want to say my own personal thank you. This season has not always been easy, but you have seen us through some great times and occasionally some not-so-great times. You have been there in your numbers and your voice will be vital over the course of this season and beyond.
I sincerely hope I will be seeing you one more time at The Kassam this season, but if not, it’s still been a great one, and I for one can’t wait until the August sunshine brings us to the start of yet another year, which I hope will be even better than the last.
Enjoy tonight’s game.
Thank you.
Tim
You can read the full programme online at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc