Dear all,
The start of a new league season is one of the most exciting times for any football club. After months of hard work and planning, our Men's Team get underway today against MK Dons and our Women’s Team face Exeter City away tomorrow, whilst our Academy kicked off their season last week with a victory. It is a genuine privilege for me to be here in Oxford, alongside so many of you, as we get the new League One campaign off and running back at the Kassam Stadium.
I want to begin by addressing the challenges the Club have faced this summer. I know it has not been an easy few months and I understand the concerns you may have. I want to be very clear and open with you: the current situation is short-term, and it will be resolved. Our owners remain as dedicated as ever to Oxford United and we are working hard, and positively, to move things forward as quickly as possible. It will take a few months, with the aim to be compliant and in a strong position ahead of the January transfer window.
Our commitment to this Club has not changed. We may not always get things right, but we will always make decisions that we believe are in the best interests of Oxford United. We have a very competitive squad, and the focus this summer has been on retaining the core of our squad and building a platform that give Aaron the best chance to deliver long-term success.
Two weeks ago, I was delighted to meet with the Chairs of both the Fan Advisory Board and OxVox, which was both constructive and positive. I understand the need for regular and meaningful engagement, and it is important to me that you hear directly from us. I am committed to working alongside the Fan Advisory Board to make sure that communication happens more regularly and consistently going forward.
Despite the setbacks, there is so much happening around the Club that gives me real optimism for the season ahead. In Aaron, we have one of the most exciting young Head Coaches in the country. He is building a team with a clear identity and style of play, and a genuine ambition to win. I have been hugely encouraged by what I have seen in preparation for this campaign and believe supporters will enjoy watching this squad develop as the season progresses.
With challenges, comes opportunity. Producing homegrown players capable of stepping up to the Men’s First Team is something every football club aspires to. Last week, we had seven Academy graduates involved in the Carabao Cup squad, which everyone at the Club should take great pride in. I also want to wish our Women’s Team good luck for their first league game tomorrow, I know there is a real determination within that squad to keep progressing.
I have worked in football for a long time, and I know that a club is only successful with a strong and passionate support behind it. The loyalty you show through good and bad, and the passion you bring each matchday, these are things that genuinely make a difference to the players and staff working for this Club. Neither the owners nor I take that support for granted, and I want to thank every single one of you for sticking with us, today and throughout the season ahead.
Football is, by its nature, a game of moments. There will be highs and there will be lows along the way, that is simply part of what makes this sport so special, and so unpredictable. I cannot promise you guaranteed results, no Chairman honestly can, but what I can promise is that everyone at this Club, from the coaching staff to those working behind the scenes, will continue to work as hard as possible for you.
As the season gets underway, I hope you enjoy today, enjoy the season, and let's look forward with genuine optimism about what lies ahead. I will be in Oxford throughout the campaign, and I look forward to meeting as many supporters as possible, listening to your views, and continuing to learn.
Thank you, as ever, for your continued and unwavering support. I look forward to what I hope will be a season to remember, together.
Yours,
Dusan