OXFORD United’s change of ownership is finally complete.

Updates have been far and few between since news first broke in March last year, but here are the main off-pitch developments in the last 18 months.

READ MORE: New owners announced at Oxford United

  • March 19, 2021: News emerges that United’s Indonesian investors have submitted an offer to secure a minimum 51 per cent stake in the club, which would give them outright control. Their aim is to conclude the transaction ‘in the coming weeks’.
  • April 15, 2021: U’s chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth speaks to local media for the first time since the news broke. The Thai businessman dismissed it as ‘speculation’ in his programme column for the visit of Lincoln City on March 26 and, in an interview, insisted nothing had changed.
  • July 30, 2021: Bakrie says a takeover could be done before end of the transfer window.
  • September 25, 2021: Karl Robinson says it is with the EFL. He said: “I believe it’s subject to EFL approval, that’s what I’ve been told.”
  • November 2, 2021: Bakrie’s second interview with local media. He gives clear public indication that United’s future is away from Grenoble Road. Emphasises that on and off-pitch growth must come together to ensure sustainable progress.
  • January 10, 2022: Stratfield Brake move revealed in a leaked letter. The document outlines the club’s intention to leave the Kassam Stadium and build a new 18,000-capacity ground with associated facilities at Stratfield Brake Sports Ground, near Kidlington.
  • January 18, 2022: First Stratfield Brake council meeting. Councillors agreed to defer a decision on the club’s plans for Stratfield Brake, and launch a four-week consultation process.
  • March 15, 2022: Second Stratfield Brake meeting. The council’s cabinet authorised officers to enter detailed discussions with the U’s about leasing the land, south of Kidlington.
  • March 19, 2022: Robinson calls for patience a year after ownership news first emerged.
  • July 21, 2022: Grant Ferguson joins the board. He was on the board at Italian giants Inter Milan from 2014 to 2017, during Erick Thohir’s time as chairman.
  • August 2, 2022: Niall questioned on ownership. He says: “I know it has an impact on people’s perception, but it makes no difference in how we operate on a daily basis.”