WATSON UNLIKELY TO SIGN

Denis Smith's attempts to agree a deal with Mark Watson have hit a seemingly terminal deadlock, and it would now seem unlikely that the defender will play for Oxford in the coming season. The stumbling block appears to be the matter of international football - despite earlier implying he would be willing to give up playing for Canada, it now seems that this is not the case. Watson is also unwilling to accept a pay-as-you-play contract.

Apparently this will release funds for up to two other defenders, with Lee Jarman likely to be one, and Steve Davis - still holding out for a new Oxford offer - possibly the other. Denis has not been impressed enough with Anders Jacobsen (partly because he is considered too similar to Ian McGuckin), despite some positive reports from supporters who have seen him play.

[source = Official Site]

JOEY RETURNING TO FITNESS

Joey Beauchamp's worrying back problem is apparently responding to treatment, and Denis Smith is hopeful that Joey will be fit enough to play some role in the match at Hereford tomorrow. Joey's back injury has precluded his involvement in any of the pre-season matches to date.   [source = Oxford Mail]

CRAWLEY DRAW

An Oxford XI (bascially a strong reserve side) drew 0-0 at Crawley Town this afternoon. Trialist Lee Jarman (and perhaps also Mosiah Blake - unconfirmed) started for the U's, as did Ben Abbey - fittingly since this match formed part of the deal that brought him to the Manor. A Crawley site carries a report.

Line-up [according to Crawley site]
(442) : Knight; Folland, Jarman, Shepheard, McGowan; Hackett, Whitehead, Ricketts, Blake; Anthrobus, Abbey.
Subs used : Weatherstone, McGuckin, Omoyinmi, Tait, Robertson.

Line-up [according to supporter Myles Francis]
(442) : Knight; Folland, Jarman, Shepheard, McGowan; S Weatherstone, Whitehead, Ricketts, Omoyinmi; Anthrobus, Abbey.
Subs used : Robertson (for Abbey), Tait (for Ricketts).

[source = Crawley Town website]

LAST NIGHT - OXFORD 1 CHELSEA 5

Oxford were hammered 5-1 by a "Chelsea XI" last night. The overpaid allstars were 4-0 up byt half-time, with goals from Poyet, Zola, and two from new signing Hasselbaink. Ambrosetti added a fifth after the break, before triallisty centre back, Anders Jacobsen, scored a consolation. Read the match report from Rage Online or from the Oxford Mail.

Line-up (442) : Knight; Robertson, Jacobsen, McGuckin, McGowan; Hackett, Tait, Murphy, Powell ; Weatherstone S, Omoyinmi.
Subs used : Jarman, Shepheard, Abbey, Whitehead, Anthrobus.

WATSON RETURNS

Mark Watson has finally surfaced, and is back in training at the Manor. Denis Smith is optimistic that Watson does want to sign up for next season, and that it is simply now a matter of agreeing a contract. Watson will not be considered for tonight's friendly.   [source = Official Site]

OTHER NEWS

Not much other news today. What little there is can be summarised as :

• Oxford play Chelsea at the Manor tonight (7.45pm) and an "Oxford XI" plays Crawley away tomorrow (3pm).
• One of the applications for development of the Manor (once the club has moved to Minchery) appears to have been rejected. This is the application to relocate the Acland Hospital from Banbury Road to the Manor site. The City Council backed residents who opposed the scheme.   [source = Oxford Mail]

I received the following mail from Oxford United yesterday, warning me of a Football League ruling on copyright of fixture lists:

I am sending this note to every web site related to Oxford United.

Just to let you know that the Football League are planning on a crackdown of internet sites that reproduce club fixtures without a Copyright Licence from the Football League.

Any site found to reproduce the fixtures without such a licence could face legal action and even court. The club does not have authority to grant permission to third parties to reproduce fixtures and if you wish to continue publishing the fixtures on your site, I would suggest you contact the Football League's Commercial Department.

U's MOVE WITH THE TIMES

"Technology is the way that things are going", announced Firoz Kassam when yesterday announcing the new sponsorship deal with web company, Domino. He did recognise that Unipart - I guess they represent the old, traditional manufacturing companies which are these days so passe! - had played a major role in the club over the past nine years, and said he was sad and disappointed that the relationship had ended.

Unipart announced that they would still be keeping up some level of relationship with the club, despite losing the shirt sponsorship deal.

[source = Oxford Mail]

ANOTHER WATSON DEADLINE

Denis Smith has issued Mark Watson with yet another deadline - tomorrow - to decide whether he will re-sign for Oxford. As usual, though, he has not managed to speak to Watson personally, and has had to be content to leave messages with Watson's agent. Since Canada's next match is in mid-August, one would expect that Watson would now be perfectly able to return to the Manor to discuss terms if he's keen. Otherwise I would suggest that the club forgets about him and moves on.

[source = Oxford Mail]

CHELSEA MATCH TOMORROW

Oxford play Chelsea tomorrow evening, and the London side will be including more of their "star" players than was originally expected. Poyet, Hasselbaink, Le Saux, Zola and Ferrer are amongst those who will be in Chelsea's squad. Rumours that Mike Reed is to referee the encounter are entirely unfounded.

Denis has spoken to Norwegian centre back, Anders Jacobsen, about extending his trial to include tomorrow's match. Jacobsen impressed in his twenty-odd minute spell at the end of the match against Birmingham on Tuesday. There is also a goalkeeper from a Portuguese club on trial at the Manor, but the club has not yet received international clearance for the player.

Also likely to feature against Chelsea is West Brom youngster, Mosiah Blake. The left back has returned to the Manor after a trial last season. You may remember that he had been sacked by West Brom for ticketing offences, but when Oxford showed an interest in signing him, the Baggies claimed a fee would still be necessary.

[source = Oxford Mail / Official Site]

RESERVES DRAW WITH BANBURY

A second-string Oxford side, which included Steve Anthrobus after his return from the Carribean, drew 1-1 with Banbury United last night. Sam Ricketts got the goal. Ben Abbey and Jamie Cook both played.

[source = Oxford Mail]

NEWTON LINKED WITH SWINDON AGAIN

TeamTalk are once again linking Eddie Newton with Swindon. Thought to be China-bound, Newton has indeed been training with Swindon, but apparently he is unlikely to sign for them, and is simply training with them to get himself match-fit.

[source = TeamTalk / OUFC forum]

DOMINO REPLACES UNIPART

Oxford today called a press conference to announce a new sponsorship deal with local web agency, Domino. The deal - worth a "six figure sum" - is for one year, with an option to extend it further. Domino will be advertised on the team shirts, replacing the Unipart deal that has run since 1991.

Firoz Kassam commented, "I am absolutely delighted to have new club sponsor Domino on board. I firmly believe that this deal will prove to be beneficial to both Oxford United and Domino. This agreement means that another piece of the jigsaw has fallen into place."

Domino will also take a leading role in the running of the club's official web site.

[source = Official Site]

FOUL PRESS RELEASE

FOUL says "It's time for action!"

Last week saw the good news of the withdrawal of the judicial review into planning permission for a multiplex cinema at Minchery Farm, followed by the rejection of Morrells' appeal against the original decision which overturned their injunction. FOUL (Fighting for Oxford United's Life) believes that the ball is now firmly in the court of Oxford City Council to remove the remaining obstacles to building work recommencing on Oxford United's new stadium.

Recent meetings between FOUL and the leadership of the three main parties on the City Council have confirmed that each of them remains committed to the Minchery Farm development and FOUL welcomes their support. City Councillors now have a marvellous opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the development by expediting the removal of the final two obstacles to a restart: the disputes with Thames Water and Les Wells. The Council's attitude to these remaining issues is crucial. It is vital that the momentum is not lost if builders are to be back on site by the start of September so that the stadium can be completed for the 2001-2 season.

In particular, FOUL calls on Oxford City Council to reach an agreement with Thames Water immediately rather than to pursue a protracted legal battle which will endanger the existence of the football club It is clearly up to the City Council to conclude the settlement with Thames Water over the value of the land on which the stadium and its associated developments are being built. The Council lost its case in the High Court and agreed to pay the water authority £500,000 in compensation, which it has yet to do. Our understanding is that the Liberal Democrats have lodged an appeal against this decision, something that could add months more delay to construction work restarting and could in theory leave United without a home next season. FOUL seriously questions whether taking this path is in the best interests of the Council Tax payers in the city and urges the City Council to recompense Thames Water immediately.

The Oxford City Council legal department should weeks ago have served papers with the Land Registry in Gloucester in order to waive the right-of-way claimed by landowner Les Wells. That it has failed to do so, and is now claiming that the case is unlikely to be heard before late September, is totally unacceptable and is a clear indication of the lack of either will or direction in the Town Hall. Again FOUL asks that the City Council acts now to remove this Caution, thereby demonstrating a positive commitment to the future of Oxford United.

BARBADOS BALLS-UP

Steve Anthrobus returned from Barbados yesterday after playing no part in their World Cup qalifying matches. In fact he wasn't even eligible for the matches, after Barbados immigration questioned his citizenship. After a frustrating wait in the immigration offices, Bus decided to cut his losses and return to Oxford, determined to fight for his first team place. Great news for U's fans everywhere - we can get ready to count his shots quota for this season. The fingers on one hand easily covered it last time around.

[source = Oxford Mail]

OXFORD FALL TO BRUM

Oxford lost their first home friendly, 3-0 to Birmingham City, at the Manor last night. Blues went ahead shortly before half-time from the penalty spot, Jarman adjudged to have fouled Marcelo. Martin Grainger slotted home the penalty (43). The first half had been fairly even, but in the second Birmingham upped a gear, and finished comfortable winners, with further goals from Marcelo (53) and new record signing Geoff Horsfield (66).

Triallist Anders Jacobsen played the last 25 minutes at centre back, and the word is that he impressed.

Despite the result, Denis took a positive view of the match. "That was brilliant. You achieve nothing by winning all your pre-season games and the fact that we've lost means that we've got to look at what we did wrong," he said.

Line-up (442) : Knight; Robertson, McGuckin, Jarman, McGowan; Murphy, Tait, Fear, Powell; Omoyinmi, Lilley.
Subs : Weatherstone S (for Lilley), Hackett (for McGowan), Whitehead (for Fear), Jacobsen (for Jarman).

Here are some comments on the match from Pete Gardiner:

Thought you might appreciate a brief summary of last night and particularly the new players.

Robertson and McGuickin look big and solid and both seem reasonably comfortable on the ball (although both are still someway off full fitness, as are the rest of the team, but then Dennis' teams have always seemed underprepared physically for the season).   Jarman is even bigger and looks slow,static and lacking in commitment, although in all fairness it is difficult to tell in a half paced friendly.

Jacobson looked impressive for the last twenty five minutes. He seemd sharp, looked good with the ball and seemed to read the game well. All in all, I think Dennis has the ingredients for a rather more solid defence, given the continuing terrific form of Richard Knight. If Watson were to return, I'd feel all the more confident.

The real problems are obviously in midfield again. Fear and Tait offer the same one-paced options whilst Murphy is ineffectual on the right and only merits a place for his goals potential. If he fails to score initially my guess is Dennis would leave him out. A fit Joey increases the options as long as Powell remains. As for Lilley, oncd again he showed that he is not a forward and indeed seems better suited to the role performed by Murphy (as at the end of last season). Murphy in the middle with Fear or Tait and Lilley wide perhaps?

Up front, goals could be an issue. Omoyinmi is quick (very quick!) and shows no little skill and commitment but without an effective partner...........

The appearance of Chris Hackett was interesting. He seems to have speed and skill and rarely for one of our youth scheme players, actually has a decent physique and might be able to look after himself. I would think he is worth a try in the middle rather than wide where we have options at present (ie Powell, Joey and Lilley). As for Simon Weatherstone, I'd rather not say anything.

This is not meant to sound entirely negative, I think Dennis will organise the defence but the midfield might be overun again if we are not careful. I'm reasonably encouraged by the new signings (but then again the Bus had a decent pre-season last year) and we're still a forward light.

JARMAN SIGNS FOR A MONTH, PORTER LEAVES

Lee Jarman has signed up for a month after impressing Denis Smith in the first two friendlies. Jarman has partenered the highly impressive Ian McGuckin in central defence in both of the matches. Smith was not exactly fulsome in his praise for Jarman ("There is still a long way to go for me to be totally satisfied with him, but I could say that about most of the players here."), but he has obviously been impressed with the former Wales U-21 player.

Meanwhile trialist keeper, Chris Porter, has been released despite not conceding a goal whilst playing in the friendlies. He played the full match against Gosport after coming on as sub for Richard Knight against Havant. Denis said, "I have decided against keeping him and so now I'm back to the same problem of not having a reserve keeper, which I'm not happy with."

Denis also stated that he would again be speaking to Mark Watson about his future in the next few days.

[source = Oxford Mail]

JACOBSEN ON TRIAL

Denis is giving yet another centre half a trial tonight, namely former Stoke City and Sheffield United defender Anders Jacobsen. He will appear at some stage in tonight's friendly. Jacobsen is 32 and hails from Oslo, Norway. He can play at left back as well as at centre back, but is currently without a club after his Stoke deal was not renewed at the end of last season. He has won four caps for Norway.

[source = Official Site / various Stoke sites / SoccerNet ]

BRUM COME TO THE MANOR

Oxford's first home friendly, and their first against league opposition, takes place tonight. Trevor Francis and his Birmingham side come to the Manor, with the kick-off at 7.45pm. Darren Purse will be making his return to the Manor, though Simon Marsh won't be, as he has been released by Blues. At least Paul Tait should be up for this one.

IT'S WOLVES

Oxford were drawn against Wolves in the first round of the League Cup. The first leg sees Oxford playing at Molineux on August 22, with the return at the Manor on September 5. A tough draw.

On the only previous occasion (1970) that Oxford played Wolves in the League Cup, the third division U's won 1-0 against the then top-flight Wolves.

OXFORD WIN AGAIN

Oxford won their second friendly on Saturday, with goals from Matt Murphy and Manny Omoyinmi being enough to see off Wessex League side, Gosport Borough. Simon Weatherstone (missed) and Ben Abbey (saved) were both unsuccessful from the penalty spot for Oxford. Injuries to Paul Powell and John Robertson added a worrying touch to the proceedings.

Line-up (442) : Porter; Robertson, McGuckin, Jarman, McGowan; Murphy, Tait, Fear, Powell; Omoyinmi, Lilley.
Subs used : Cook, Abbey, Ricketts, Hackett, Whitehead, Folland, Weatherstone S.

[source = OUFC forum / Rage Online]

Incidentally I have added a report on the Havant match taken from The Non-League Paper, a relatively new Sunday paper that reports on non-league football.

McCULLOCH LINKED

According to TeamTalk, newspaper reports from the weekend are linking Dundee United's 24 year old left back, Scott McCulloch, with Oxford. McCulloch is apparently out of favour at Tannadice, but is also being linked with a move back to Dunfermline.   [source = TeamTalk]

CANADA DRAW

Mark Watson may yet decide Oxford are a better bet than Canada after yesterday's matches. Canada's qualification chances for World Cup 2002 now look even smaller after they were held to a 0-0 draw in Panama. Trinidad & Tobago's win over Mexico puts them 5 points ahead of Canada, so qualification looks as though it may well be a pipe dream for the regional champions.   [source = Slam! Soccer]

Meanwhile, Steve Anthrobus' Barbados lost 2-0 in Guatemala. Actually they managed to lose even without Anthrobus kicking a ball in anger. Imagine how bad they'd be if he actually played.   [source = FIFA.com]

MORRELLS APPEAL REJECTED

Oxford are another step along the way towards completing the new ground with the announcement from the High Court his morning that the appeal from Morrells has been rejected. THis means their covenant is no longer binding over the Minchery Farm land owned by Firoz Kassam. Way-hey!

[source = Radio Oxford / OUFC forum]

COMPENSATION OR APPEAL?

The City Council are rumoured to be wanting to appeal against Thames Water's successful 1998 court case, in which it was upheld that a covenant they had on the Minchery Farm land (disallowing the land from being used for leisure activities) was broken by the Council's selling it to Oxford United. Obviously an appeal would draw the affair out for a lot longer than merely paying compensation to Thames Water, which is what was originally agreed. The compensation that the Council would need to pay is thought to be about £500,000.

Apparently before the local elections in May, the ruling Labour group was opposed to the appeal, but with the new make-up of the Council, the issue is now up in the air.

SECOND FRIENDLY TOMORROW

Oxford play the second match in their "South coast tour" tomorrow, taking on Gosport Borough at 3pm. As I'm away for the weekend, expect no details until Monday.

BOURNEMOUTH BLOWN OUT BY COUNCIL

Oh dear - bad news for Bournemouth, for whom it all seemed to be going so well until recently. They are a club now truly run by the fans for the fans, but their ground is unsuitable and their plans to move have been undermined by their local council. Read this and weep:

AFC Bournemouth has recieved a big blow to its new stadium plans. The local council, who agreed to lend the club £1 million as part funding for the new stadium have backed out of the deal. AFCBISA is organising a rally at 3pm on Sunday in Kings Park and a lobby of the next council meeting on Tuesday 25th at 4pm. AFC Bournemouth supporters must show their disgust at the council's decision against the club. We are facing a bleak future, with the likelihood that 3 sides of the ground will be closed for more than half the season. Please, look at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/concillors.asp and find out your councillor's name and address. Get in contact by phone or email and urge them not to ratify this decision on Tuesday. Phone the Echo, Radio Solent, Wave 105, 2CR, anyone and everyone and make the case so loud and so publicly that it cannot be ignored and if even that fails, we must be prepared to go back to the buckets and find the money ourselves.

[source = message at One Touch Football]

MORRELLS DECISION TOMORROW

The High Court decision on whether to uphold the invalidation of Morrells alcohol covenant on the Blackbird Leys area will be announced on Friday. If the decision goes Oxford's way, then the club is probably closer to restarting work on the new ground that at any time in the past three years or so. If Morrells emerge victorious, it could be a long, hard battle - including a vociferous boycott campaign of course.

[source = Official Site]

DAVIS JOINS MACC TOWN

Steve Davis has joined Macclesfield Town on a free transfer after a successful trial at Moss Rose. Davis, who turns 35 in a week's time, lives in Cheshire, and turned down a new contract at Oxford at least partly because he wanted to play for a club closer to home.

Latest is that the Official Site claims that Davis has not yet signed for Macc, but is biding his time until he hears definitively from Oxford. He will be playing friendlies for the Cheshire side though.

[source =  Official Site]

MISSED THE BUS

The eagle-eyed amongst you have probably already noticed that Steve Anthrobus was not amongst the players for last night's friendly. A sign of things to come? Let's hope so. (Actually he's on international duty with Barbados...)

FIRST FRIENDLY TONIGHT

Oxford take virtually a full squad down to Havant & Waterlooville tonight, with just Ross Weatherstone (still recovering from his ligament injury) and Joey Beauchamp (and his worryingly troublesome back injury) unavailable. Making their first appearances for Oxford will be new signings John Robertson, Manny Omoyinmi and Ian McGuckin,, the latter despite reportedly needing stitches above his eye after a training ground injury. Triallists Lee Jarman and Chris Porter are also likely to get a run-out. As usual there will probably be about seven substitutions in the second half, so if an available player doesn't feature at all, he should probably be worried.

[source = Oxford Mail]

Result = Havant 0 Oxford 6 (yes, six). Scorers were (unconfirmed) Omoyinmi, Powell, Hackett, Lilley, Whitehead and McGowan. It was just 1-0 at half-time.

Line-up (442) : Knight; Robertson, McGuckin, Jarman, Powell; Murphy, Tait, Fear, Lilley; Omoyinmi, Weatherstone S.
Subs used : Porter, McGowan, Hackett, Whitehead, Shepheard, Folland, Abbey, Cook, Ricketts.

[source = Ceefax / OUFC forum]

Report from The Non-League Paper (by Trevor Brook):

Havant & Waterlooville's pre-season preparations were hit by an avalanche of second half goals as Oxford went on the rampage at West Leigh Park. Oxford opened the scoring after only 54 seconds, when former West Ham winger, Manny Omoyinmi, raced through a static defence appealing for offside.

The visitors killed the game, scoring four times in the space of ten minutes just after the interval. Ex-England U-21 international, Paul Powell, was the chief tormentor, beating Steve May from the edge of the box, then providing a simple chance for Derek Lilley. Chris Hackett added another after a fine solo run. Both sides made substitutions, but Oxford remained in control with goals from Dean Whitehead and Neil McGowan.

Joint manager, Liam Daish, wasn't too disheartened. "No way did we deserve to lose by six, but Oxford are a quality side who made use of their chances", he said.

Nigel Jemson, freed by Oxford at the end of last season, has joined Shrewsbury on a free transfer.

[source = footballtransfers.co.uk]

ONE DOWN, TWO TO GO

With Pentith and his JR application now firmly behind us (and it is now too late for anybody else to object to the planning permission), there remain just two issues that impact on Kassam's plans to restart work on building the stadium. The decision on Morrells' appeal, heard last week, is expected before the end of this week, whilst the Council are believed to have met last week to discuss the Thames Water covenant, and possible compensation to the company for overturning that covenant.

On Radio Oxford yesterday, Kassam indicated that only the above two issues concerned him. He seemed not to consider important Les Wells' claims of a right-of-way across the Minchery Farm land, and indicated that the Wells issue alone would not prevent him from signing the contract with Barr Construction to let work recommence on the ground.

Kassam is now once more optimistic about the future. "We are looking to have the stadium finished in time for us to play there at the start of the 2001-2002 season," he said yesterday.

[source = OUFC forum / Oxford Mail]

WATSON FUTURE IN DOUBT

Denis Smith has indicated that Mark Watson has moved away from choosing a new contract at Oxford ahead of his international career. Smith said, "We haven't changed our stance, but he's moved his stance. In the meantime, I've been talking to other players." Hence the move to take Lee Jarman on trial. Denis said of Jarman, "Three years ago he was being talked of as the best thing to come out of Wales. He went off the rails a bit, but he's got good ability and I don't think it's a problem to get him back."

Both Jarman and fellow trialist, keeper Chris Porter, are expected to play some part in tomorrow's friendly at Havant & Waterlooville.

[source = Oxford Mail]

SLOUGH LATEST

It appears that rumours of an official nursery-type link between Oxford and Slough are thankfully misleading. However I contacted the author of a Slough Town website, and he confirmed to me that Slough manager Steve Browne stated on Radio Berkshire that he hopes "Oxford will be able to loan out youth team players [to Slough] in the near future." Make of that what you will.

PENTITH'S WITHDRAWAL "OFFICIAL"

Pentith's lawyers made their scheduled 10.30am appearance at the High Court today, and confirmed that Pentith has withdrawn his case for a Judicial Review. Confirmation of this has been received by FOUL from the High Court.   [source = OUFC forum]

YOUNG KEEPER ON TRIAL

Oxford have taken former Sunderland youth keeper, Chris Porter (20), on a week's trial. He will join the team's "South Coast Tour", which commences on Wednesday at Havant & Waterlooville. Porter joined Darlington from Sunderland on a free transfer in March, but seems not to have made the grade at Feethams. He appeared on the bench a few times for Darlo, but was generally regarded as their third choice keeper.

Meanwhile it has been confirmed that Andre Arendse has joined Cape Town side, Santos,on a three year contract. Arendse played for their rivals, Cape Town Spurs, for a few years before moving to England.

[source = Oxford Mail / Sunderland official site / Where's the Money Gone?]

CANADA LOSE

Mark Watson may yet decide that he'd prefer to play for Oxford after Canada's hopes of qualifying for World Cup 2002 took a battering. They lost 2-0 at home to Trinidad & Tobago. Watson started the game, but was subbed late on. Canada must finish in the top two of their four team group to progress further in the competetion, and with Mexico also in the group, this loss has considerably lessened Canada's chances of progress. [source = Slam! Soccer]

STILL NO NEWS OF WATSON

There is still no indication of whether Mark Watson will re-sign for Oxford when he returns from international duty with Canada. Watson, technically clubless after his contract with Oxford expired last month, is likely to start Canada's World Cup qualifying match against Trinidad & Tobago in Edmonton this evening (late night UK time). Canada then play another qualifier in Panama next Sunday. If Watson hasn't returned to Oxford to sign before then, I suspect Denis will have brought in a replacement. Lee Jarman's arrival on trial seems to be an indicator of this.

PENTITH ABANDONS JUDICIAL REVIEW

Nick Pentith has withdrawn his application for a Judicial Review! So, no court case on Monday now. This effectively means that Oxford United (or Firoz Kassam) has planning permission for the multiplex and leisure developments at Minchery Farm. This in turn means that Firoz Kassam will consider the renewed building of the football stadium worthwhile, now that the profitable leisure projects have received the go-ahead. Perhaps this time, building will restart.

Of course there are still hurdles. We expect an announcment on last week's appeal from Morrells sometime next week. There is also the matter of compensation to Thames Water over the breaking of their covenant on the land. Last (and perhaps least) there is the matter of Les Wells and his claims to a right-of-way across the Minchery Farm land.

According to Rage Online, the reason Pentith has withdrawn his JR application is that Oxford City Council refused to deal with him over a renewed Oxpens mutliplex bid if he continued to fight the MInchery Farm battle. I guess he decided it was in his interests to try for the Oxpens deal rather than fight what would probably have been a battle that made him persona-non-grata in Oxford.

[source = OUFC forum / Rage Online]

JUDICIAL REVIEW ON MONDAY

Monday is of course July 17, meaning that it is the day of the Judicial Review. This takes the form of a public session at the High Court in Strand, London. Kick-off is at 10.30am, and there shouldn't be a delay, as this is the first case to be heard. The judge is one Judge Justice J. Harrison. [source = OUFC forum]

SLOUGH TOWN LINK-UP

BBC Radio Oxford announced yesterday that Oxford United and Slough Town (of the Ryman Premier) have agreed a deal for Slough to act as a nursery club for Oxford. Quite frankly, I've never been in favour of these sort of deals, and I'm sure the Slough fans won't be terribly impressed about it either. Let's see what happens.

Oxford United have apparently denied the above story.

Perhaps scarily, the chairman of Slough Town is one Martin Deaner, who was brought in by Keith Cox to try to hold together the mysterious Grenoble consortium (who "tried to buy" Oxford in 1998), after main man John Gunn had bailed out.

Deaner was also chairman of Newbury Town at one stage, during which time they folded.

[source = OUFC forum]

SLOUGH FRIENDLY ANNOUNCED

Interestingly, the Slough links with Oxford don't end there. A friendly between the two sides has been announced for Saturday 5 August. It is at Slough's Wexham Park ground, kick-off 3pm.

Slough's reserve manager is Eddie Denton, who, I seem to remember, appeared in the Oxford first team a few times in the late 80s.

Slough are also looking to sign former U's, Chrissy Allen and Chris White. Is there no end to the links between the two sides?

[source = This is Slough]

NEW PHYSIO STARTS WORK

New physio, Neil Reynolds, has now officially started work as first team physio at the Manor. He has joined after leaving his job as West Brom's youth team physio. He said, "It's a great chance for me. I've worked with Denis Smith before and got on well, and I'm really looking forward to this."   [source = Oxford Mail]

DREYER SIGNS FOR CAMBRIDGE

It seems that it was Cambridge who were being linked with John Dreyer, as he has today signed a two year contract at the Abbey. [source = U's Net]

WHO IS JOAN HILL?

According to the official Cardiff City website, former Cardiff chief executive, Joan Hill, has left Barnet to join Oxford. Is this official? [source = Cardiff City FC]

JARMAN ON TRIAL

Lee Jarman has arrived on trial, apparently to cover for the possibility that Mark Watson does not sign a new contract. Jarman, a right-sided centre back, is 22, 6'3", and played for Exeter last season after starting his league career with Cardiff. He is a free agent, as he played without a contract at Exeter. He is thus available on a free, despite being under the Bosman ruling's age limit.

He is supposed to be good on the ball ("the best footballer at Ninian Park" according to Kenny Hbbitt, his manager at Cardiff) and in the air, but lacks aggression. He made several appearances for Wales U21, including captaining the side. He was on trial at QPR last season, and also appeared for Merthyr Tydfil.  [source = Oxford Mail]

LE GEYT TURNED DOWN OXFORD?

According to the bastion of truth, Teamtalk, Sinclair Le Geyt turned down a short-term deal from Oxford (as well as Swindon and Lincoln) in order to join Port Vale on a month's trial. The 20 year old full back had a trial period at the Manor in January.   [source = Teamtalk]

MORRELLS APPEAL IN PROGRESS

Apparently the Morrells appeal against the decision to overturn their alcohol covenant on an area including Minchery Farm went ahead this morning. The originally rumoured date (or at least the one requested by the club) was next Tuesday, but it seems today is now the day. With a bit of luck, the appeal will fail. Otherwise we're back yet another step on the long march to salvation.

The three judges have apparently deferred judgment until "later in the month". Another delay. Ho hum.

[source = OUFC forum / Rage Online]

COUNCIL MEETING TODAY

Oxford City Council's Strategy and Resources committee are meeting today to discuss an issue relating to Oxford United. It is shrouded in secrecy, but we presume it has something to do with the Thames Water covenant on the Minchery Farm land. Any news - if it's not all secret - will be posted here once received.   [source = OUFC forum]

DREYER LINKED WITH OXFORD (OR MAYBE NOT)

The OptaSoccer site suggests that John Dreyer is likely to move to the Manor, despite interest from Luton, Bristol City and Millwall. Sadly the news might not be all that reliable, judging by the rest of their story. It correctly identifies Dreyer as having played at Oxford in the 80s, but spoils it all with the following paragraph:

Oxford's manager, Roy McFarland, needs replacements in the back after the departures of Clive Wilson, Jason Kavanagh, and Scott Eustace and Dreyer's previous relationship with Preece might result in him returning to the Oxfordshire side.

STEELE MOVES TO BRIGHTON

Striker Lee Steele, in whom Denis Smith has admitted to having an interest, has moved from Shrewsbury to Brighton on a Bosman free transfer. The 26 year old, who scored 11 goals for the third division strugglers last season, had been tracked by Smith, but a shortage of funds for wages meant no bid from Oxford ever materialised.

Two other players who had been linked with Oxford made other moves yesterday. Left back Jamie Campbell moved from Brighton to Exeter, whilst former Manor trialist, Sinclair Le Geyt, left Derby for Port Vale.

[source = FootballTransfers .co.uk]

KASSAM'S HOTEL CRITICISED

An article in yesterday's Observer criticised the standard of Firoz Kassam's London hotel, which is used to house asylum seekers. Kassam and Southwark Council dispute the complaints cited in the article.   [source = Observer]

SPINK STILL LINKED

The usually reliable Opta site is now reporting on the Nigel Spink story, saying that the 41 year old is being considered as a backup keeper to Richard Knight. Spink was signed as cover by Forest Green Rovers on a one year contract at the end of last month, so I still can't see how this story can be true.   [source = Opta Soccer]

FAST TRACK?

Today's Oxford Mail is pleased with itself, as it has "tracked down" Mark Watson. Well done, folks. I notice that all the quotes used in the story are from the Slam Soccer! article I linked to last week. Seems anyone can be good at this tracking business...   [source = Oxford Mail]

WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT?

As specified earlier in the week, the Council S&R committee are meeting on Tuesday to discuss Oxford United. However they apparently will not be talking about the new planning proposal for Minchery Farm. Nor will they be talking about Pentith and his Judicial Review, nor about the Morrells appeal, nor about Les Wells and his right-of-way. I guess that leaves only the Thames Water issue with the land covenant. Is it this? Who knows... [source = OUFC forum]

SPINK LINK

There's a rumour that former Villa stalwart, Nigel Spink, may be the man to come in as backup keeper to Richard Knight. Spink joined Forest Green Rovers just a week ago on a free transfer from Millwall, so there is probably not much substance to this story.   [source = Rage Online]

LUNDIN JOINS TRELLEBORG

Pål Lundin has joined Swedish premiership club Trelleborg on an 18 month contract, after leaving Umeå FC, with whom he has been on loan for the past few weeks. He will replace Trelleborg's current keeper, Daniel Andersson, who is off to AIK Stockholm. "It feels good to have got Pål to the club," said Trelleborg's director of football, Jonas Brorsson. [source = Opta Soccer]

KEEPER OPTIONS

Denis Smith will wait until his return from holiday next week to step up his search for a back-up keeper for Richard Knight. He has a list of five or six keepers in which he is interested, including Oxford City's highly rated 24 year old, Alan Foster. Mickey Lewis, who is running the training sessions in Smith's absence, said, "I've seen Alan Foster a few times and he looks a good goalkeeper. He's very highly thought of."

Whomever Oxford bring in, the new keeper will almost certainly be someone who is available on a free transfer.   [source = Oxford Mail]

WATSON NEWS

Mark Watson is expected back some time next week, which seems to have fuelled speculation that he is to play in Canada's forthcoming World Cup qualifying matches. The only flaw in this theory is that Canada's two qualifying matches in July take place on the 16th (Trinidad & Tobago) and the 23rd (Panama), and are thus beyond his due date of return.

There is an interview with Watson regarding the forthcoming qualifiers on the Slam! Soccer site, and it seems as if he intends to play in them. Of course, it may be that the contract offer rules out internationals only during the season, and not during the pre-season. According to the site, Watson has been offered a three year deal at Oxford, and will return to England between now and Tuesday to discuss the offer.   [source = Slam! Soccer / Oxford Mail]

DENIS COMMENTS ON WATSON

Denis Smith was bemused by Mark Watson's absence from training yesterday, saying, "His agent and girlfriend were both expecting him but he didn't show, which is most unlike Mark. I would like to know what is happening. If Mark is not going to sign then I have to fill the position."

All the other players - except Ross Weatherstone, still recovering from his knee injury - completed their first day's training yesterday.
[source = Official Site / Oxford Mail]

PALACE'S FUTURE ASSURED

Crystal Palace, who were in administration and in danger of being thrown out of the league, have now had their future assured. A takeover by mobile phone businessman, Simon Jordan, has gone through. This will see the club, who envisaged - at best - having to groundshare in Gillingham next season, able to continue playing home matches at Selhurst Park. Jerry Lim had earlier completed a deal to buy Palace, but immediately sold his stake to Jordan. A promising sign for the future is that Jordan has expressed a wish that the Supporters' Trust be represented on the board.   [source = many news sources]

DIARY DATES

Just to remind you of a few diary dates for this month:

• July 11 - City Council Strategy & Resources (S&R) committee meeting to discuss OUFC - big secret as to exactly what. With a bit of luck it's the new planning permission application for Minchery Farm.
• July 17 - Judicial Review hearing. Pentith Ltd and British Rail Properties seeking to prevent building a multiplex at Minchery Farm.
• July 18 - Requested date for a hearing for the appeal by Morrells against the decision to overturn their covenant.

Mark Watson did not turn up to training today, and it seems nobody at the club knows where he is. Maybe he's not so keen on giving up international football to play for Oxford after all.   [source = OUFC forum]

SMITH BETS ON WEATHERSTONE

As the fans start to wonder whether a Lilley-Omoyinmi partnership can banish the Bus to the bench for good, Denis Smith has a different striker in mind as a potential match-winner this season. "People could be in for a surprise because Simon Weatherstone has impressed me a lot," said Denis. "He can pass, he can shoot, he can head it and he's got a good football brain."

Denis also confirmed that he had been tracking Shrewsbury's out-of-contract striker, Lee Steele, but has no more money to spend (apart from, presumably, some for a back-up goalkeeper).   [source = Oxford Mail]

WATSON DOUBTS

Radio Oxford reports that Mark Watson has not yet returned from his holiday, and has thus not yet signed a new contract. Denis Smith reckons that Watson will be back in time for the start of pre-season training on Wednesday and that he will sign the new contract. Denis also has a contingency plan if Watson doesn't sign - he has a replacement centre back in mind that he could sign "within a week". [source = OUFC forum/BBC Radio Oxford]

BRADFORD SIGN LEFT BACK - AND IT'S NOT POWELL

Bradford City, who along with Newcastle and Charlton have been consistently linked with Paul Powell, have signed Sheffield Wednesday's out-of-contract left back, Ian Nolan. Interest from Newcastle appears to have cooled, so it would seem that only Charlton are still seriously considering a move for Powelly.  [source = Sporting Life]