Well, this is definitely the last posting on the site for this year. Oxford lost 2-0 up at Stockport on Saturday, with Paul Gerrard apparently impressive in goal, but with the team otherwise playing in uninspired fashion. Canadian Mark Watson made his debut, and Phil Gilchrist went off with a broken arm after just eight minutes. Look on the bright side : at least we won't be selling Gilly for a while!
There are definite plans for a joint protest of some form by Oxford and Portsmouth fans at the upcoming Fratton Park match. John Westwood, recently banned from Pompey's ground after the on-pitch protests, travelled up to Oxford to meet with Oxford fans, and performed a linking of scarves with Oxford fan Mark Sealey. The way forward does seem to be for fans of lower division clubs to start joining together to make a big noise about what is being done to lower division football.
Oxford have a former Swedish international goalkeeper on trial. He was apparently recommended to the club by Mark Watson, who used to play in Sweden. Malcolm Shotton apparently believes the keeper is good enough to play division one football. Meanwhile Paul Gerrard took a drop in wages to play first team football at the Manor. Gerrard was once the most expensive goalkeeper in the country, but recently dropped to third choice at Everton, behind Thomas Myhre and Steve Simonsen.
Accfording to Portsmouth-based newspaper The News, Portsmouth fans have cancelled plans to march through the city before the Oxford match, but still plan to boycott the match. Fans will protest outside the turnstiles before moving on to Milton Park to play their own game of football.
I still haven't heard much about FOUL's meeting with Keith Cox on Wednesday night, but details should be forthcoming soon. Apparently FOUL met with Cox plus Geoff Coppock and Nick Harris (board members), Mick Brown (club secretary) and Ian Davies (club manager). One thing that was agreed is that there should be an Open Meeting early next year. Keith Cox and the board have accepted invitations to such a meeting at the Town Hall, which will probably take place in January.
TWO PLAYERS SIGN!
Oxford today signed Everton's former England U21 goalkeeper, Paul Gerrard, on a month's loan. The 25 year old is likely to go straight into the side facing Stockport on Saturday. Oxford have also signed 28 year old Canadian international centre-half, Mark Watson, on non-contract forms. Watson has been on trial at the Manor, and impressed in two reserve matches. He is now eligible to play first team matches for Oxford.
Paul Tait has turned down the offer of a loan spell at Oxford. Apparently he is only interested in a permanent move, and Oxford can't afford even the £50,000 that Birmingham are asking for.
Malcolm Shotton has confirmed that he is desperately trying to bring in another keeper on loan, following Mike Salmon's return to Charlton. "If we cannot bring a goalkeeper in, I will play Elliot Jackson," he said. "We are looking around to bring in an experienced keeper and I am still waiting for a few phone calls to come back, but if nothing happens then Elliot will play."
Oxford will not have to pay the full amount for Salmon's loan, as in fact no loan deal was signed. Oxford will probably have to pay just two days' wages for Salmon, as the player had signed non-contract forms rather than a loan deal. (Don't ask me how all this works!)
Fellow club-in-trouble, Portsmouth, have today sold striker John Aloisi (previously rated at £1.5 million) to Coventry for a mere £650,000. To make matters worse, Portsmouth will pocket only about £300,000 from the deal, as they still owe Cremonese money for Aloisi, and also owe Aloisi his signing on fee. TV personality Fred Dinenage has resigned from the Pompey board in protest at the transfer.
Hull City have been plunged into deeper crisis after multi-millionaire Paul Caddick pulled out of a planned takeover. The Yorkshire businessman has ended his quest for control after being told by Hull City Council that he would have to foot the £400,000 bill to lift a restrictive covenant on the ground. Rovers are £1.3m in debt and have been run by administrators for nearly two years. (Thanks to Ian Oliver for this news.)
FOUL MEET COX TONIGHT
Members of the FOUL committee will be meeting with Keith Cox tonight. The meeting is apparently "on the record", so hopefully there will be some news tomorrow. Cox is known as a bit of a charmer, so much of what he says should probably be taken with a considerable pinch of salt.
TAIT IN ON LOAN?
There is a strong chance that Oxford will sign Birmingham midfielder, Paul Tait, on a month's loan. The decision on whether to join is up to Tait, as Blues manager Trevor Francis is keen for the transfer-listed Tait to join Oxford. Francis hopes that this will place Tait in the shop window, as he no longer features in the Birmingham first team. Tait is likely to decide before the weekend. Tait was once fined for wearing a "Shit on the Villa" shirt in the post-match celebrations after Birmingham's Auto Windscreen Shield triumph. The 27 year old has not made an appearance for Birmingham for 21 months.
TELEGRAPH ARTICLE
There is an intersting article in today's Telegraph, written by a Portsmouth fan, and mentioning both the upcoming Oxford v Portsmouth match and Sunday's Portsmouth pitch invasion. I like the quote from John Portsmouth Football Club Westwood (his real name) - he was the fan banned from Fratton Park despite not being arrested - saying, "I don't like invading pitches but when the club you love is dying, you've got to do something." Food for thought.
FOOTBALL "IN TURMOIL"
I woke up this morning to hear on the radio that football is in turmoil, as Graham Kelly has resigned as head of the FA. Well now you know.
SHOTTON ALMOST QUIT
According to a Press Association report, Shotts was considering quitting during and after the rout by Birmingham. He said, "I felt during the game and afterwards when I threw my coat into the crowd, that I was going to go. I was absolutely distraught with the way the players went about their business but I feel I've got a lot more to offer than to walk away."
POMPEY FANS TO BOYCOTT OXFORD MATCH
Portsmouth fans have called for a boycott of their next home match, ironically against Oxford, on 28 December. This is to protest against the banning for life of supporter, John Westwood, from Fratton Park. Westwood is alleged to have initiated the on-pitch protest during half-time of Sunday's match against Grimsby. The protest was peaceful, and no arrests were made. Westwood has apparently missed just 4 games in 25 years. Rob Hayward, chairman of the South West Pompey Supporters' Club, backed the call for a boycott, and said, "We want fans to stay away from as many home games as possible. We want them to follow the same matchday routine as usual, but stop short of going into the game once they reach the turnstiles." See Portsmouth based paper The News for details. Also see the contributions page for messages from Pompey fans.
KEEPER SEARCH CONTINUES
Mike Salmon has returned to Charlton after the Birmingham debacle, claiming he is not yet match fit after a cruciate operation earlier in the year. (I've resisted all attempts to make a 'salmon'/'leap' type pun). This means that Oxford are once again searching for an experienced keeper to play on loan. It seems that Elliott Jackson is not considered to be ready to be the number one keeper as yet.
NICE ONE POMPEY!
Let me start with just about the only positive part of the weekend. Portsmouth fans showed us how to do it with on-pitch protests both at halftime and after their home defeat by Grimsby, which was live on SKY. The resultant publicity was enormous, with large pictures in today's papers and much comment on the radio. In addition their manager took a stand against chairperson, Martin Gregory, effectively pledging that no players would be sold. His message was clearly that the board had got them into the mess they were in, and the board should get them out. Ideas for both FOUL and Malcolm Shotton in all this, I hope...
JUST LIKE WATCHING ROSE HILL
Meanwhile Oxford were torn apart by the rampant Birmingham strike force, as they conceded seven at home for the first time ever. To their credit, though, they fought until the end, and were rewarded with a fine headed goal from Deano deep into injury time. The goal was celebrated with real (rather than ironic) passion, which rather summed up our situation. If many more players go, how much worse will the scorelines get? At least team spirit can't be faulted.
Unfortunately the match did not make a good impression on our loanee keeper, Mike Salmon. He is wondering whether to stay at the Manor for the full month, saying, "I have done more harm to my reputation in 90 minutes than in more than 500 games during my career. I do not know now whether I will be here for a month. It's quite clear I'm not match fit. I have got to see the manager on Monday and my Charlton boss, Alan Curbishley. It was an absolute disaster, the worst game of football that I have ever been involved in."
CRAP CHANT AWARD
Thanks, Birmingham fans, for the chant of "We're rich and we're beating you". That's really in good taste.
WEEKEND NEWS
Robin Herd has been sued for £500,000 by Frank Williams - apparently this is money lent by Williams to Herd which has not been paid back. Perhaps this will mean Herd is forced to sell Oxford for less than he'd like. Who knows?
Having paid back the £50,000 they owed the FA, Oxford managed to sign keeper Mike Salmon on a month's loan from Charlton. He is an experienced keeper, with over 400 league appearances behind him. Wonder if he's ever conceded seven before!?
FOUL PRESS RELEASE - 12/12/98
FOUL issued the following press release on Saturday :
SUPPORTERS TIE THE KNOT
Oxford United supporters group FOUL (Fighting for Oxford United’s Life) is mounting a campaign to collect scarves donated from as many clubs as possible in order to make one scarf of solidarity. The aims are to dispel any inter-club rivalry and to present a symbol of the strength and goodwill that exists amongst football supporters. It will also highlight the plight of many other struggling clubs across the country. The scarf of solidarity will be auctioned at the end of the season with the money going towards Oxford United.
This Saturday (12th December) the first two scarves will be tied on the Manor pitch prior to United’s home game with Birmingham. It is hoped that scarves will be received from all Premier and Nationwide League clubs, as well as clubs from the non-leagues, Scotland and even Europe.
FOUL is also pleased to announce that it has been able to arrange a meeting between the FOUL committee and Oxford’s Managing Director Keith Cox, to take place next week.
Further information can be obtained from FOUL’s Press Officer, Martin Brodetsky, on 01865 312438 (Office hours) or 01865 248081 (other times).
SELL-ON CLAUSE MIRACLE
Apparently the Marsh Deal has a sell-on clause, meaning that we would get a percentage of the profit if Birmingham end up selling Marsh for a profit. This is just about the first time I can remember Oxford ever managing to get a sell-on clause in a deal.
Apparently the PFA have now been repaid the money they were owed (£50,000), so Oxford are now at liberty to get a player in on loan.
MARSH DEAL GOES THROUGH
Simon Marsh has now completed his £250,000 to Birmingham after successfully completing his medical this morning. Marsh will sign a four and a half year contract with the Blues, and is likely to make his debut for Birmingham at the Manor on Saturday, unless regular left-back, Simon Charlton, recovers from injury.
EARLIER NEWS
Simon Marsh's transfer to Birmingham has still not officially gone through, as Birmingham await the results of an MR scan on Marsh's back. There are no suggestions of complications - it is just that results of the scan will not be available until later this morning. The move is likely to be finalised immediately afterwards.
Oxford reportedly told Leicester that they required £1 million in exchange for Windass, but Martin O'Neill said he would not increase his £600,000 bid. Leicester look set to transfer their attentions to John Aloisi, another potential bargain at a financially struggling club.
FOUL will be meeting with Keith Cox next week.
Keith Cox has won "substantial" damages plus costs in his court case against the Editors and Publishers of the Oxford Times. The paper accused him of deliberately misleading Oxford fans about whether he would be stepping down in February 1998. He was reported to have said he would stand down as MD of Oxford if the financial situation had not been resolved by then. This was held to be untrue. It is unclear what Keith Cox plans to do with the money - hopefully he will donate it to the club.
Charlton have apparently failed with a £600,000 bid for Dean Windass. Not sure when this happened though. Apparently Oxford also turned down a similar bid from Leicester last week. There are suggestions that if Kevin Francis had not had to undergo yet another operation, Windass would have been sold.
Oxford have sold Simon Marsh to Birmingham City for a cut-price £250,000, rising to £300,000 if Marsh makes 40 appearances for the Blues. Marsh has signed a three and a half year contract at Birmingham, and will train with their first team squad this morning. Blues manager, Trevor Francis, commented, "With Oxford having financial problems, David Sullivan asked me if there were any players at the club that I liked. Their problems had been brought to his attention by the transfer of Phil Whitehead to West Brom. I told him that I quite liked Dean Windass, Joey Beauchamp and Paul Powell - but we wouldn't get them for the money available. I also liked Simon Marsh, and when I made an enquiry I was able to get him for what I consider to be a very good price for a current England Under-21 international."
Sports reports on radio stations in Ireland are leading with the talks between London Irish and Oxford. According to these reports, a ground-share with Oxford is at the moment the only option for the "Exiles". Reports also state that they see it as a very good option, considering all the facts. (Thanks to Ian Oliver for this.)
I see that Portsmouth have joined us in deciding to hold a cut-price sale of all their players. They will distribute a "bargain price list" of their squad to every club in the country. Manager Alan Ball has set a precedent that Malcolm Shotton would do well to follow in telling his chairman (Martin Gregory) to be open about the club's situation. Ball said, "I've insisted that he makes a statement. It's all very well hearing rumours about this and that, but he's got to tell people why I have been told to sell players. He has got to tell people the extent of the problems. One thing is for sure - I'm having no part in selling off this team to pay off debts. He says we have to sell players and I disagree with that and have told him that."
Keith Cox was interviewed by Thames Valley FM's Jerome Sale, and the interview can be found on the Official Oxford United page. The main points (which are quite well hidden in lots of waffle) seem to be :
A Press Association report has confirmed that Oxford are in talks with London Irish RUFC about a possible groundshare at Minchery Farm. Apparently Irish's current ground has a capacity of just 4,600.
According to TeamTalk, Birmingham City manager, Trevor Francis, is keen on signing various Oxford players at low prices. Aware that the Boxing Day sales have started early in Oxford, Francis is apparently making enquiries about Paul Powell, Simon Marsh AND Phil Gilchrist. Anything to guarantee him three points on Saturday, I guess.
There is an article about Oxford's situation in today's Electronic Telegraph. According to the article, it was the money raised by terry Gardener's SOUS that paid the staff's wages. Only the players' wages were paid by the money gained from Whitehead's sale.
I have now placed a copy of the FOUL FAQ on the site. This was kindly sent to me by Steve Hanks, chairperson of FOUL.
Yesterday's Sunday Telegraph reported that Lloyds TSB are poised to put us into administration this week in the hope that this leads to a rescue bid. The report also mentions that John Gunn and Duncan Abbott are the most likely saviours. Of course, it seems that John Gunn pulled out a while back, so I presume they mean Grenoble Investments rather than Gunn himself. Duncan Abbott apparently runs the John Duncan venture capital boutique (whatever that may be).
There have been reports that London Irish (a Rugby Union club) are looking into buying Minchery Farm to use as their stadium. I haven't heard much about this story, but it sounds plausible. There have also been reports of a second consortium interested in buying the club.
FOUL's campaign to get Malcolm Shotton voted in as Sports Personality of the Year was certainly evident on Saturday, as I was asked more than once for my signature, and saw many people giving theirs. The main intention of this campaign was always going to be to raise publicity, as I don't think many people believe that the BBC let votes for "fringe" candidates count.
I wrote to Bob Gilbert, organiser of the Save Doncaster Rovers campaign, telling him further of our problems, and asking his advice on the best thing to do next. You can find his response here . It contains many constructive ideas for the way forward.
There's not a lot of news around today. Elliott Jackson will definitely be in goal for tomorrow's match against Bradford. According to the Official Web Site there will be 18 scouts from different clubs at the match. The club are still desperately trying to sell more players, no doubt at knock-down prices.
FOUL issued the following press release today:
Malcolm Shotton for BBC Sports Personality of the Year?
Fans of Oxford United FC are attempting to get the club’s manager Malcolm Shotton elected as BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 1998.
Supporters’ crisis group FOUL (Fighting for Oxford United’s Life) believes that a large vote for Shotton would both publicise the club’s plight and at the same time demonstrate their support for the manager, described by the group’s chairman Steve Hanks as “inspirational and unpaid”. Shotton hadn’t received any pay for two months, until the sale of goalkeeper Phil Whitehead to West Bromwich Albion for £250,000 at the start of December.
Supporters are planning to gather outside Oxford Town Hall at 11.00am on Saturday 5th December before making their way to the Manor ground for the fixture against Bradford City. En route they will encourage everyone they meet to sign forms nominating Shotton as BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the voting for which ends on Thursday. All Oxford United fans are being encouraged to turn up, wearing club colours, in order to gather as many votes as possible.
It is also possible to vote for Shotton by e-mail to: sports.review@bbc.co.uk or by writing to: BBC Sports Personality of the Year, PO Box 98, London W12 7RJ. Forms can also be found on the Save Oxford United web site: http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/2286/
Further information can be obtained from the FOUL Press Officer Martin Brodetsky on 01865 248081
Phil Whitehead has spoken to the Express and Star (a West Midlands based newspaper) about his move to West Brom. Here are some of the more interesting things he says : "I spent some time at The Hawthorns on Monday with John Wile and Denis Smith and I left without agreeing anything. Then I was driving back down the motorway to Oxford when I asked myself what am I going back to? You keep picking up the papers and reading stories that Oxford are in danger of going under. It's got to the stage that there are so many stories and rumours flying around that playing on a Saturday has acted as a release to all the players. Oxford were quite reluctant to let me go but if I had turned this move down I might have regretted it for the rest of my life."
Denis Smith unsurprisingly reckoned he had got a real bargain in Whitehead. Smith said, "We're getting him at his best. I've been trying to sign him for quite a long time and Oxford have always said no. But they are in a position at the moment where they haven't got an option. This deal will help them keep afloat so they can't really complain. Phil made his decision to join us quickly."
Read the interview with Joey in today's edition of the Times. Interestingly, Joey does admit he would like to see out his career with Oxford, and that he is hopeful that thew club's situation will turn around. The article does end off with a lot of junk about how great Keith Cox is, though. He seems to manage to charm the media somehow. I remember that Robert Chase at Norwich managed to get the same media-friendly image.
Phil Whitehead was quoted on Ceefax last night as saying he felt his sale had saved Oxford from administration. He also made it clear that he had felt under pressure to leave, after originally turning down the move. At least it seems players feel loyal to Oxford. There must be some fairly good team spirit in the camp.
LATEST NEWS
Paul Powell has explained his reluctance to move to West Brom. He said, "I'm enjoying the best football of my career and I don't want to disrupt everything by going to a club where I might not be playing regular first team football. I'm happy at Oxford and want to stay and develop myself." Sensible lad...
The players and staff have been paid following the sale of Phil Whitehead. That's the one bit of good news surrounding the sale. Apparently the club are looking to bring in a goalkeeper on loan, although whether this is to play in the first team, or merely to cover for Elliott Jackson, has not been specified.
FOUL are campaigning for people to vote for Shotts as BBC Sports Personality of the Year. See here for details.
The TeamTalk page says that West Brom are paying around £300,000 for Whitehead. I'm not sure where they got this figure from - every other source says £250,000. Also Denis said he moved in for Whitehead because he was frightened another club would snap him up. He neglected to mention that it was because the price was a steal.
WHITEHEAD SOLD
A legend has left the Manor as Oxford practically gave away Phil Whitehead to former manager, Denis Smith, at West Bromwich Albion. Apparently Whitehead originally rejected the Baggies' terms, but then later decided to accept them, and has now signed a four year contract. The price was a completely unacceptable £250,000. I don't believe many fans will back the board's decision to sell Whitehead at that price. I'm sure even the administrators would get more for him. Denis Smith himself is on record as describing Whitehead as the best keeper in the division.
West Brom were also interested in signing Paul Powell, but he refused even to speak to them. Must be because Denis gave him such a good chance in the first team here...
Today's edition of the Independent has a summary of the financial situation at all 72 Nationwide League clubs. Sadly this table is not included in their online edition, but it's well worth looking at. Particularly interesting is the fact that both Grimsby and Stockport are making a profit - they are both clubs of similar size to Oxford. The scary part is the number of clubs making a loss and in finacial trouble. Many seem to be kept afloat by a benefactor.
An interesting point has been made on the PompeyWeb news page, namely that if a club owes money to the PFA (for unpaid player wages), not only can the club sign no players, it is also prevented from selling any players. This suggests we have paid the PFA back the money they paid towards wages last month.