Oxford united FC
New Oxford United chairman promises ‘great times’ in new statement
United recently announced changes to its leadership structure as Grant Ferguson stepped down as chair.
Two new names were appointed, with Dusan Bogdanovic announced as Ferguson’s replacement and former Inter Milan board member Rudi Laksmana joining the U’s board.
The Serbian national was most recently CEO of Indonesian club Garudayaksa’s foundation and already had a relationship with Yellows owner Erick Thohir, having been pictured with him in December 2024 alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
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Now, the new chairman has released a statement addressing the fans amid his takeover of the role at the EFL League One club.
“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of chairman of Oxford United Football Club,” Bogdanovic said.
“This is a club with history, character and a proud sense of community.
“Oxford United means a great deal to so many people, and I fully understand the responsibility that comes with helping to lead it.
“It is a genuine privilege to be involved, and I approach this role with ambition, humility and a clear determination to help the club succeed and compete at the highest level, both on and off the pitch.
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“I would like to thank my predecessor, Grant Ferguson, for his dedication and leadership over the past four years.
“Grant has played an important part in one of the most successful periods in the Club’s recent history, and I look forward to working alongside him and the rest of the board as we continue to dream big and build for the future.
“I appreciate that it has taken some time for me to properly introduce myself.
“Since taking up the position of Chair, my immediate focus has been on understanding the club in detail, reviewing our football structures and transfer plans with Ed Waldron, and ensuring we respond with clarity, unity and purpose following relegation to League One.
“My vision is simple: to help engineer Oxford United into a club that plays beautiful, brave and effective football, a team with identity, intelligence and ambition.
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“We must be exciting to watch, but also disciplined, resilient and built to win.
“There is a great deal of work ahead, particularly as we prepare for an important summer and the new season.
“We are aligned in our ambitions, focused on strengthening intelligently, recruiting well, and creating the best possible environment for long-term sporting success.
“Just as importantly, I am passionate about bringing our supporters and the community even closer to the club.
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“Success on the pitch is powered by the energy, belief and passion of the fans.
“Oxford United’s community is one of its greatest strengths, and I want us to deepen that connection, improve engagement, and ensure our supporters feel proud of the direction we are taking.
“I am looking forward to spending time in Oxford throughout the season, meeting with the community, listening, learning and playing my part in protecting the identity and values of this club while helping to build something even stronger for the future.
“I believe there are great times ahead for Oxford United. Thank you, once again, for your continued support.”
Oxford United travel to Leyton Orient for the first round of the Carabao Cup and Aaron Ramsey’s first competitive match in charge.
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The 32-year-old became the third player to leave the club after United were hit with a temporary transfer ban at the beginning of July.
Vaulks joined Nik Prelec and Ole Romeny – who left on loan- in departing the club this summer, returning to the club where he spent his academy career, Tranmere Rovers.
Dropping down to League Two, the former Wales international leaves Oxford after two years in the Championship with the club, playing 88 times for the Yellows and scoring twice.
The former Oxford midfielder was left out of the U’s squad in their final pre-season friendly, a 2-0 win over Premier League side Ipswich Town, and went on to be announced as a Tranmere player on Monday evening.
United head coach Ramsey opened up on Vaulks’ departure in his press conference before the club’s first competitive fixture of the season, an away trip to Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup.
“We had some honest conversations with Will and the opportunity came up for him to pursue his new opportunity there,” the 35-year-old Yellows boss said.
“I mean, he’s been great for this club and what he’s done on and off the field here has been remarkable.
“We just wish Will the best of luck now going forward.”
A statement from Oxford included the message: “On behalf of everyone at Oxford United, thank you Will.
“We wish you all the best with your future and we will continue to drive your important work forward.”
From the Wirral, Vaulks moves closer to home by joining Darrell Clarke’s side.
Upon joining Rovers, the centre midfielder said: “I’m grateful to be back.
READ MORE: Oxford United captain reveals ‘close conversations’ with teammates
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“I spent 10 years at the club, but never played a first team game, so this is a move that has been on my mind for a number of years now.
“I really wanted to come back to my boyhood club.
“I made it clear that I wasn’t going anywhere else, other than to Tranmere, it was the club I wanted to join.
“I’m a Wirral boy and I can’t wait to give everything for the club.”
As well as contributing on the pitch for Oxford, Vaulks made a huge impact off it, using his personal story to establish the award-winning Can We Talk? suicide prevention campaign.
He was nationally and internationally recognised for his campaigning, winning awards including the FIFPRO Player Voice and was recently named PFA Community Player of the Year.
The 2026/27 EFL Cup supercomputer forecast, combining mathematical probability algorithms and agentic AI, suggests the Yellows will defeat Leyton Orient 2-1 at Brisbane Road.
This will be Ramsey’s first competitive fixture since taking charge.
The computer model – conducted by Andy’s Bet Club – anticipates several other first-round outcomes, including Rochdale, recently promoted from the National League, surprising Bradford City with a penalty shootout victory.
In the southern section of the competition, League Two’s Barnet are expected to beat Cambridge United, who are a league higher.
The supercomputer also foresees victories for West Ham United, Birmingham City, Burnley, and Wolves, all advancing unscathed to the second round.
On the other hand, Oxford’s fierce rivals, Swindon Town, are predicted to exit in the first round, losing 2-0 to Championship side Cardiff City.
READ MORE: Oxford United boss confirms Stan Mills absence ahead of Carabao Cup
READ MORE: Oxford United captain reveals ‘close conversations’ with teammates
The first round of the EFL Cup, for the first time in six years, is set to take place before the start of the league season.
The supercomputer predicts that West Ham United will be the last remaining EFL team in the competition, bowing out in the quarter-finals against Chelsea.
The eventual winners, according to the supercomputer, will be Manchester City, claiming their 10th title.
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