RELEGATION would not derail plans to turn Oxford City into a Football League club, according to its co-owner.

American businessman Thomas Guerriero said the Skrill North club is financially sound and he plans to invest in facilities and players ahead of next season no matter which division the club is in.

City occupy a relegation place in the table, but boosted their chances of avoiding the drop with a 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Histon on Tuesday night.

Speaking ahead of that game, Guerriero, who co-owns the club with the Oxford City Charitable Company, said he was positive over the future, despite the team’s perilious position.

“We’re very excited about the financial components right now and the future looks very bright,” he said.

“A lot of clubs out there are struggling financially.

“If we go down, nothing will change our overall plan, it just delays us by one extra year.

“This will be a blip on the radar of what we’re looking to do in the future. We’re dead set in our plans and I can’t emphasise how excited I am about the direction of where we’re going.

“We’re very confident that the system we’re putting in place will see us competing for promotion every year.”

Guerriero visited Oxford for five days this week, taking in games against Boston and Histon. “My passion for football is second to none,” he said.

“I think people will be shocked by what we accomplish here in the next few years.

“This is not a flash in the pan and our future is going to be tremendous.

“I wouldn’t be here unless I had a strong interest in building the brand and injecting a significant amount of capital to assist in its growth.”

He added: “We’re looking to expand the club in terms of facilities and bring in better players.

“If we go up the ranks and into the Football League then we’re going to draw the fans.”