A tough one this...

A few random thoughts and ideas first if you'll forgive me before I
address the substance of your mail.

a) It really IS inevitable that when a lot of people come together they
will NOT agree about most things. It happened to Rovers supporters and
it happened to Brighton's. The answer to that is for a number of
different organisations to spring up, each with a different agenda but
with the same goal in mind - in OUFC's case, the survival of the club.
That way, everybody can relate to one or other of the organisations. To
avoid the obvious danger of treading on each others' toes, there has to
be though a regular forum where representatives of each group meet each
other to say 'this is what we're going to do - does it bugger up anyone
else?' A sort of loose collective arrangement but one where each group
can do what it feels comfortable with. And yes - we did have this
bickering in Doncaster and I think the Albion people did too! Mind you,
they handled it better than anyone else I know of.

b) On Jan 15th next Brighton are away at Chester. It's a Friday night
match and Sky are covering it live. The Brighton lot are keen to help
Chester and all the other clubs that are in trouble. So, a sort of Fans
United 3 is on the cards where the emphasis will be on the
maladministration of the game etc etc. I've copied this mail to a few of
the articulate and intelligent movers down on the South Coast because
you may want to get in touch with them to see what Oxford Utd supporters
can contribute and can expect out of the event. It is a good opportunity
for national publicity.

c) The Sports personality of the Year idea has been done before and the
BBC are wise to it. They just ignore votes cast for people who do not
fit their own view of who is important. Fixed? Yes! But still, a good
idea for local publicity.

d) One of the key tricks with any campigning movement is to motivate
people to actually DO something. Anything! This takes firstly a clear
goal (Save Oxford Utd), secondly, leadership (which entails huge amounts
of effort, time, worry, grey hairs etc etc) and thirdly simple tasks
that people can get involved in. Once they do something, then they are
more likely to feel INVOLVED and come back to do more. So, voting for
Malcolm Shotton is a good idea o that front too - though the lack of any
response outside Oxford might put one or two off on the 'wasted effort'
theory.

Now, on to your specific points - but I can only give personal opinions
here since there is no RIGHT answer.

The key issue seems to me to be the survival of the club. Now, how is
that most likely to be achieved? I can think of a few possible ways
though there may be others: takeover by a white knight, fans takeover a
la Bournemouth or a existing board member coming up with the readies.
Now, my thoughts are that whichever one of these (or others that you can
think of) is most attainable, then go for that. Forget all the
peripheral issues like 'should we try to get rid of Keith Cox?' and so
on. He would go anyway if there was a takeover. What would such a
campaign achieve even if he did go? Not the bringing in of a saviour -
or would it?

I found it VERY hard last season to keep my eye on the 'main' objective.
There was just too many targets, too much rumour, too much lying and too
much to investigate. That was a mistake. One target; one objective. If
you can all agree on that, then how you set about achieving it can
beleft to all the different groups that will be springing up. Some will
be in favour of direct action, some of writing to the press, some of
pitch invasions etc etc etc etc! However, beware of violence - will get
terrible publicity. Not a good idea.

If you agree with this suggestion, then the rest is just tactics. I
suggest though that it is VERY important to talk to the local Council
regularly to see what their attitude is and what they will do to help. i
also suggest you organise a lobby of Parliament. Your local MP will be
able to help a great deal here. The Chester lot did it about 3 weeks ago
(and invited me along too!) and it was a resounding success. Lots of
ideas, lots of contacts, lots of eyeopeners about what the gteat and the
good think needs to be done about football, the FA and the bloody
Premiership.
 

As to meeting Cox, well, I don't think I have strong views either way. I
can see that a confidential meeting might have benefit in that he may
say some things which either reassure you or frighten you further. In
either case it would be useful information. If such info. was that
important well, you could always betray his confidence if needs be
(though knowing he'll never talk to you again). On the other hand,
talking to the powers within the club runs the risk of the chosen few
fans 'going native'. That happened in a big way with one of the Rovers
supporters groups. You pays your money and takes your choice I suppose.
I think on balance I WOULD talk to him - to see how long the club can
keep going, to see what, if anything, the current board are doing about
it and to see whether or not you consider them trustworthy souls. But
make sure you have all the questions lined up beforehand and some
discipline instilled into those that meet him. A small group only I
suggest - and composed of articulate and intelligent people who WON'T
slag anyone off or ask fatuous or abusive questions. But this wouls
still be only one tactic within your overall strategy to achieve your
objective.
 

I'm not sure all this has answered your questions. If not, please just
ask me again! Also, there are a lot of VERY helpful people out here
y'know. Don't be afraid to ask. The names I've copied this to may be
able to help for instance - though they are all very busy (though
approachable and friendly people I must add.

Good luck. Keep me posted please? If there is an event planned for one
Saturday let me know please. I only live 30 minutes drive away (well,
once the Botley roundabout is re-opened!) and I'd love to come along to
show some support.

BobG