Oxford United Chairman Sumrith 'Tiger' Thanakarnjanasuth wrote the following notes for the Portsmouth programme:
It has been another very positive week for the club and what better way to end it than another big crowd and a game against a very good Portsmouth side. I think there is a healthy respect between the two clubs after the last couple of seasons, and I am sure today will be another really good game for everyone to enjoy.
I thought the last two games were good but for different reasons. First, we scored a record seven goals away at Gillingham, and to be honest we looked like scoring every time we went forward. Don’t underestimate that performance: Gillingham won in midweek, so I think we played very well. Cameron scoring four penalties was amazing and something I don’t think will ever happen again.
Then we had to show a different side of our character on Tuesday at Wigan, where every loose ball was fought for and every player had to win their battles. It was less fun to watch but I enjoyed it just as much and want to say well done to the players, because whoever we play, whatever the challenge, they are finding a way to keep the results coming.
I also want to say a massive well done and thank you to all of the staff, because this week has been a huge test of stamina for all at the club. There is a sign at the training ground that says: ‘No club in the country outworks us.” Every time a transfer window opens, I remember that sign and think how true it is. Fans see a Deadline Day ending at midnight, but so many hours, so many calls and discussions have happened before that, and I won’t start listing names for fear of missing somebody, but every single member of staff has worked so hard to improve our chances of promotion.
I think we have definitely improved things. Marcus Browne is a player you all know about, and once fit he will be an outstanding player for us once again. Some games when he was here before, he was unplayable, so I can’t wait to see him in action again. Ciaron Brown is a proper, tough, defender and a full international, and Oisin Smyth has so much promise and potential. We kept Cameron Brannagan and Mark Sykes, and I think we are in a better position now than we were on 1st January, which is all you can ask for.
But think back one month: we hadn’t announced anything about a potential new ground, we hadn’t secured Herbie Kane until the end of the season, we hadn’t brought in the three new faces. I think we ended the Year of the Ox very strongly. And now I look forward to doing all I can to help keep the club moving forward in the Year of the Tiger…
Tiger
You can read the full programme online at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc