Oxford United head apologises amid ‘uncertainty and concern’

The message follows the club’s transfer embargo, which came after it failed to meet League One’s Salary Cost Management Protocol.

Through those rules clubs must demonstrate they can ‘fund their planned player expenditure and afford their playing budget’ before the start of the new season.

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In a letter released today (Wednesday, July 15) chairman Dusan Bogdanovic said he was sorry for the situation.

He said: “First and foremost, I want to sincerely apologise for the uncertainty and concern that recent news regarding our registration embargo has caused.

Oxford United’s new head coach Aaron Ramsey (Image: Newsquest)

“I am acutely aware of the trust that has been placed in the shareholders and the board, and that developments of this nature can lead to the relationship we have with you being called into question.”

Appointed to the chairmanship in May this year, Mr Bogdanovic said he felt it was important that supporters hear directly from senior leadership.

“Over the last few seasons,” he explained, “we had to rapidly adjust to the realities of competing in a higher division and the increase in funding that required”.

He added: “Despite our best efforts, we were unable to retain our championship status and are now working through the challenges that higher costs, reduced revenues and new financial rules present.

“We are sometimes required to make difficult decisions in the short term.

Plans for Oxford United stadium (Image: Oxford United)

“Those decisions are never taken lightly and, understandably, may not always be popular.

“However, our responsibility is to ensure we protect the long-term interests and sustainability of the club.”

The chairman went on to reassure fans that the registration embargo would not impact plans for the club’s new stadium, which is being proposed for near Kidlington and Oxford Parkway Station.

He added: “Securing a new home for Oxford United remains integral to our plans and our vision for the future of the club.

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“The stadium will not only be the club’s new home, but it is also the cornerstone of our long-term strategy and vital to ensuring Oxford United can thrive, grow and compete sustainably for many years ahead.”

He closed the statement with a message of optimism, saying that they would overcome the challenges ahead.

“The future of Oxford United is bright,” he said, “and our ambitions remain unchanged”.

He added: “I hope we can move forward together, united behind the team, united behind our vision, and united in our belief that the best days for Oxford United are still ahead of us.”