A message to our supporters from Chairman, Grant Ferguson, after the Club’s relegation from the Championship was confirmed on Saturday.
Relegation is a hugely disappointing outcome for everyone connected to Oxford United Football Club. It is not how we wanted the season to end, and we know how much it hurts. However, this Football Club will not be defined by one single season.
We returned to the second tier of English Football two years ago with ambition and complete belief in our ability to compete at this level, and there have been special moments and memories. This campaign, though, we have fallen just short of what was required to retain our Championship status.
Our time in the division has taught us a lot about what it takes to be here and where we are as a Club. It has also helped drive progress behind the scenes, with important steps taken that leave us better prepared for what comes next.
Now, our focus is on how we respond. We will regroup quickly, make improvements and approach the summer with clarity and purpose. We will continue to strengthen to attack League One next season and build a team which can challenge for promotion. We recognise what is required and will act accordingly.
To our supporters, your backing throughout the season has been incredible and we can’t thank you enough. Home and away, you have followed the Club in huge numbers and full voice. Your passion for this Club is deeply appreciated, especially in the most difficult of moments. It’s this support which means we can move forward as one to improve and come back stronger again.
While results for the Men’s Team have not been what we hoped they would be, there has been real progress across the Club. Work on our new stadium continues, our Women’s Team is developing well under Head Coach Liam Gilbert, with a record FA Cup run along the way, and our Academy has enjoyed an immensely successful season, winning both Under-21 and Under-18 leagues.
While it’s difficult to discuss against the backdrop of relegation, this Club is growing and we are in a better position than ever to respond with a fantastic group of people behind the scenes. We will start next season in League One, but our ambition remains the same.
We know there is work to do, and we are ready for it. We will progress together, giving everything to build a Football Club you can continue to be proud of.
Thank you again for your support. We have one game remaining to end the season with pride and professionalism, and then we will do everything possible to return as quickly as possible.
Yours,
Grant
