A more upbeat weekly round-up for Oxford United this time with a draw on the road and an internal takeover completed. We’ll also bring you the latest from those players away on international duty.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: New Owners and Vital Away Point
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫. 📖
🟡🔵 #OUFC | #COYY pic.twitter.com/8wQNzZIb52
— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) September 27, 2022
Changes In the Boardroom
Oxford United’s internal takeover has finally been completed, the club has confirmed.
Indonesian investors Anindya Bakrie and Erick Thohir now hold a 51 per cent stake in the club, while Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth remains as a minority shareholder.
Grant Ferguson, who was appointed a director of the club earlier this year, will assume the role of chairman of the board of directors.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Ferguson said: “Oxford United is a club with a proud history and incredible supporters so I am honoured to have been asked to take on the role of chairman.
“The first thing I want to do in that capacity is acknowledge the immense contribution that Tiger has made to the club as chairman and shareholder, and I look forward to his continued support as we together take the club into its next chapter.”
Subject to English Football League (EFL) regulations, the club also hope to announce the appointment of Tim Williams as chief executive.
The former chief financial officer of Inter Milan and financial controller at Manchester United has over 25 years of senior management, including 13 in football.
Current managing director, Niall McWilliams, is to assume the role of chief strategy officer, while also serving as project director for United’s stadium move project.
Ferguson added: “The football business is rapidly changing, and standing still is not an option.
“We must adopt best practice in stakeholder engagement, people development, data science and analysis, financial management and business planning to ensure we have a commercial infrastructure that supports and leverages our on-field ambitions.
“I am excited at the prospect of bringing together the talents and experience of the shareholders and management to build a sustainable future for the club.
“We would all like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our ever-patient and loyal fans for their unwavering support for the club. Together we will carry on the U’s wonderful history and strong tradition.”
International Round-Up
Jodi Jones grabbed an assist on his second appearance for Malta as they came from behind to win. The winger was introduced at halftime with the team trailing 1-0 at home to Israel. Jones assisted an 84th-minute equaliser before Malta won the match two minutes later.
Ciaron Brown was an unused substitute for the second successive match as Northern Ireland lost 3-1 in Greece. Meanwhile, it was a similar story for James Golding who failed to feature for the Republic of Ireland U19s in their European Championship win over their Hungarian counterparts.
Draw at Charlton
The U’s returned to league action following the international break and played out a 1-1 draw at Charlton Athletic.
Marcus Browne netted his first goal of the season after just 11 minutes but Jayden Stockley brought the game level after the restart.
Billy Bodin squandered a chance and Jones saw an effort saved as Oxford pushed for a late winner, but Simon Eastwood was also on hand to keep the score level.
