Oxford United chairman Sumrith 'Tiger' Thanakarnjanasuth wrote the following notes in his column in the programme for the visit of Shrewsbury Town:
It has been such a long time since we had a home game and there is plenty for me to try and catch up on.
Let me start with the team’s amazing form and the way they have been playing. They are breaking club records; they are playing exciting attacking football and it is a time that I think Oxford fans will remember for many years. I am so proud of these players who remain very grounded and I am sure will be determined to keep their unbeaten run going for as long as possible. I am sure that Shrewsbury will use that as motivation to end the run today, but I hope that playing at home again will give us that extra energy and loud noise to add three more points. With the good run we have been on it will be nice to see a bigger attendance today before we head into our next three big home games.
The team trained at the Kassam Stadium on Thursday and I would like to thank the stadium company, and Firoz Kassam for their help in that. They were also very helpful in allowing us to sell Singha beer in the executive areas today which I think was a very significant step forward for the club. Singha are our shirt sponsors and a major international brand and having their beer at the ground completes the partnership in many ways. It also shows how the club and Firoka can work hand in hand, and both things should be seen as very positive.
We have also seen a huge rise on ticket sales for the games coming up. Manchester City sold out very quickly and we are hoping for crowds of over 10,000 against both Wycombe Wanderers and Lincoln City at Christmas. Please help us spread the word and build the crowds because it is so important for the team to hear the noise and passion every time. I talk with the players all the time and they tell me how amazing the fans have been during this run, so please keep that going today.
On that subject, Oxford United is an inclusive football club and today sees us give full support to the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign. EVERYONE is welcome here and days like today just help raise awareness; the same with Military Day, where we welcome the armed forces this afternoon and pay tribute to their brave work. This is a community club and we will always support things we believe in: Football for Peace and MIND will both be very high profile at the Manchester City game as well.
But the main thing is to get a win today. Please welcome the team home, please be loud and proud of them and let’s make sure we keep pushing towards the top of the table.
Tiger
You can read the full programme online at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc