LAST week saw the latest fan-run Oxford United fans’ forum, led by the Supporters’ Panel with support from OxVox, writes OUSP’s Pete Green.
The previous forum focused on the business, with key board members in attendance. This one focused on the playing side.
On the back of our incredible play-off win at Wembley, and very much holding our own in the Championship this season, it’s fair to say that things are looking pretty good.
But we know that in football, if you stand still, you quickly go backwards so there’s no time to rest on our laurels.
RECAP: Oxford United fans’ forum at the Kassam Stadium
Ed Waldron, head of football operations, and Stevie Kinniburgh, head of football development, spoke at length about establishing football at all levels that fits with the club’s identity.
Waldron heads up player recruitment, and after 16 new signings in the summer alongside new deals for existing players, he has been pretty busy.
He recounted a story of waking up the morning after the Wembley night before, to take a call from the owners asking for his Championship wish list. Whilst many of us were still celebrating or recovering, the club was already back at work.
Modern football is driven by data, and Waldron spoke about how the club has extensive modelling systems to enable us to identify players at every level and from leagues across the world.
But we also have incredible people including Derek Fazackerley and Craig Short, who have the best part of 100 years in the game between them, and a team of scouts to watch players directly.
Waldron and head coach Des Buckingham have also spoken about getting players in with the right character, and it’s clear that the club will always be bigger than any one individual.
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Whilst Waldron is focused on the here and now, Kinniburgh is looking to develop players for the future.
He has oversight of all age groups below the first team, with the aim of ensuring that the very best Oxfordshire children, girls and boys, get to play for Oxford United.
But it was also clear that not all children can become professional footballers, and the club work equally as hard to support those who go on to other things.
Safeguarding and care underpin everything Oxford United do at every level. Future players are protected from playing too much and receive support, with their education and wellbeing the primary focus.
Kinniburgh reminded us that footballers may be in the public eye, but they are also human beings, and we should never lose sight of their needs.
It was clear that whether this season, or in years to come, the club and players at all levels are in good hands, and not only is everyone driven to succeed, but we will do it the Oxford way.
OxVox facilitated donations for the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, raising over £100, which Tim Williams pledged the club would match.
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