Manager update - Tiger on the prowl for a new U's boss  

DARRYL EALES believes Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth can take Oxford United to the next level.

The Thai businessman was announced as the new U’s chairman last night after completing a deal to become the club’s majority shareholder.

He will take his place in the directors’ box for United’s Sky Bet League One clash at Northampton Town tomorrow.

It brings to an end Mr Eales’s spell of more than three-and-a-half years in charge, during which time he has overseen a promotion, two Wembley appearances and several FA Cup giant-killings.

The outgoing owner will retain a shareholding and significant investment in United and will remain on the board.

But control is now in the hands of Mr Thanakarnjanasuth, known as Tiger – easily recognisable by the flamboyant bow ties he has been pictured wearing when attending many U’s games over the past six months.

Tiger's arrival - fans react 

Rumours were rife a takeover was imminent, none more so than when he was seen in both the tunnel and manager’s office after the home defeat to Bristol Rovers on February 10, when Mr Eales was abroad on a business trip.

And last night it became reality.

Mr Thanakarnjanasuth is relishing his new role, where one of his first jobs will be to appoint a new manager following the sacking of Pep Clotet last month.

“First of all I want to say how exciting it is to become part of Oxford United,” he said in a statement.

“I have been to games recently and seen the passion of the fans and the ambitious way that the whole club is set up, not just the first team but also the academy, the community programme and the back office structure.

“Darryl has such enthusiasm for the club and that really made it an easy decision to join forces and try to keep the U’s moving in the right direction.”

Mr Eales feels it was the right move at the right time.

DARRYL EALES - A TIMELINE 

“My ambition has always been to help the club achieve sustainable success,” he said.

“We have made significant progress on and off the pitch, and I believe a partner with similar ambition but greater resources will accelerate the prospect of achieving this objective. Tiger has the financial resources, high level connections in football, including with the EFL (English Football League), and, critically, the passion and drive which can deliver on the club’s ambitions.

“We have formed a good relationship and I am delighted to welcome him to the club.”

Mr Eales reflects on his time at United with pride, helping the club make giant strides both on and off the pitch.

“It has been a privilege to serve as chairman over the past three -and-a-half years,” he added.

“To be part of a team which changed the culture and mindset of the club and achieved promotion from League 2 was fantastic.

“Crowds have risen from around 5,000 to an average of over 8,000 and there have been unforgettable moments – not just two trips to Wembley but the promotion day against Wycombe and the wins over Swansea and Newcastle, not forgetting those great battles with our rivals from Swindon.

“I am so proud to have been part of that and just as proud to see the progress being made by our community and academy departments, who go from strength to strength.

“Furthermore, we have just invested in a new training ground which we hope will provide first-class facilities for many years to come, and full details will be announced in the very near future.

“This is a wonderful club and I would like to thank everyone for their support and kindness.

“Sharing so many experiences with our fantastic fans – sometimes on the terraces with them – has been a personal highlight.

“I look forward to helping Tiger wherever I can to drive the club forward. I am sure all fans will get behind him and give him a very warm welcome.”

Eales, so accessible in the first two years of his tenure, has been criticised in many quarters for backing away from speaking publicly over the past 12 months or so. But this, he says, was because of the nature of the discussions behind the scenes.

“I would like to thank all staff at the club and all fans for their patience while we concluded the deal,” he said.

“Confidentiality is essential in such circumstances and I am particularly grateful to OxVox, with whom I have had several meetings recently, for ensuring this confidentiality.”