Another busy week for Oxford United with Sam Long signing a new contract, CEO comments and international representation.
Read More: Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: International U’s, Defensive Target and Rowett on Budget
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: New Deal, New Stadium, New Hero
Sam Long Pens New Deal
On Monday, Sam Long penned a new contract with his boyhood club.
The 30-year-old came through the academy, having joined at the age of nine, and has been with the club for 13 years in professional terms.
The defender made his debut in League Two in 2012 and helped the club reach the Championship last summer.
Having turned out over 270 times, he said: “I am so proud to play for Oxford United. This club has been my life for as long as I can remember.
“I have given absolutely everything for the badge since I first pulled it on at the age of nine in the academy, and I’m excited to give more in the years to come.
“I had no hesitation at all when it came around to signing a new deal. This is the only place I want to be.
“I’ve been privileged to be part of this club for all 13 years of my professional career. From League Two to Championship, it’s been an incredible journey which has many more exciting times ahead.
“None of this has been made possible without your unbelievable support throughout my career. Now, as ever, I will continue to do everything I can to lift our club forward together.”
‘The Future of the Club Hinges on the New Stadium’
Oxford CEO Tim Williams has reiterated that a positive recommendation to proceed is of critical importance to the future of one of English football’s most historic clubs.
He said: “When our lease at the Kassam Stadium runs out, we won’t have a home and a stadium to play in.
“If we don’t have a stadium, there is a risk we won’t have a football club.”
He added: “It doesn’t get more serious than that for a football club. We have seen headlines recently about a new Manchester United stadium, which, with all due respect, is a want and not a need.
“If Manchester United don’t move out, they still have Old Trafford. If Everton hadn’t moved into Bramley Moor-Dock, they’ve still got Goodison. If we don’t move into a new stadium, we are homeless and we don’t exist and it’s an absolute travesty in my view. It’s that important.”
“We need support, but we also need to say, the point about the club potentially not existing is a real one. This needs to be moved up every headline.
“We are entering a crucial period in the club’s history. The future of the club hinges on the new stadium, and I’d urge every supporter, every stakeholder, and every voice to get behind this project.”
‘We Want to be Pushing Towards the Top Half’
Oxford striker Mark Harris believes the club can push for a top-ten finish next season.
The U’s finished 17th in their first Championship season in 25 years but their form under Gary Rowett showed significant signs of improvement.
He said: “The last two seasons have been brilliant. To get promoted and then come into the league, and stay in it as well, we’re all close enough now to realise what we’re doing.
“It’s about kicking on now next year. We want to be pushing towards the top half, top 10, and hopefully we get there.
“We got written off this season. Everyone but Oxford supporters and players had us 24th. We were written off last year and I’m sure we’ll be written off again, but I’m fine with that.
The Wales international striker added: “The aim was when I came to Oxford to get promoted, but obviously you don’t know whether that’s going to happen or not.
“Last season was unbelievable and this year our aim was not just to be safe, but push as high as we can.
“We knew the situation we were in, we knew the league we were in, and we achieved what we set out to do.
Romeny Scores as Indonesia Beat China in World Cup Qualifier
Ole Romeny netted this third goal for Indonesia as they won 1-0 against China in a World Cup qualifier.
The Oxford striker scored from the penalty on the stroke of half-time and kept them in contention for qualification.
Leigh Features for Jamaica
Greg Leigh was also away on international duty and played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over the British Virgin Islands.
The result means the Reggae Boyz have won three from three in their World Cup qualifier group and they face joint-leaders Guatemala on Wednesday.
