OXFORD United are looking into the feasibility of setting up a purpose-built training ground on fields opposite the Kassam Stadium.

Informal, preliminary discussions have been held with the relevant councils about the plan, which would include facilities for community use.

The time it would take to construct means it is not one of the sites United are considering in the short-term, with their existing arrangement at Roman Way due to expire after next season.

But for Darryl Eales, United’s chairman, the project would be hugely beneficial – to the club and the surrounding area.

“We’ve talked about what can we do over the other side of the road that doesn’t breach all sorts of greenbelt rules, but could we put a training ground there?

“What are the things we could do that are non-controversial and beneficial to Blackbird Leys that begin to make the stadium in the middle of something and not on the edge?”

In addition to the cost, such a move would need the approval of the planning authority South Oxfordshire District Council and Oxford City Council, which owns the land.

Both have been sounded out to gauge whether it would be supported.


Eales, who does not think the club would have to own the Kassam Stadium before embarking on the plan, said: “It comes down to if there’s a willingness – would the respective councils grant it?

“I reckon that’s two years away because of the difficulty in laying pitches, where you would need a year.

“I would prefer the whole club to be in the same place.

“The admin staff, commercial team, the players and coaching staff should all be in the same place.”

In the meantime, the problem of where United train in 12 months’ time is becoming pressing.

The club are looking at a variety of alternative options in the area and have not ruled out being able to prolong their stay at Roman Way, if owners BMW were open to the idea.

Eales said: “I think in the short term we will have to compromise, I can’t see any other way.

“The good news is there are enough options around that we’re not going to be without some form of training ground.

“I think there are other workable solutions where you split the first team from the academy.

“If it was temporary that’s fine, but it’s not ideal.

“My view is that if it’s not better than the status quo, why don’t we try and persuade BMW to extend it?”

Mark Ashton, United’s chief executive, is busy working on alternatives if they are unable to stay at Roman Way.

He said: “We have to take it at the moment that it comes to an end at the end of the season, hence we are looking at sites now.

“We’re looking everywhere, all over the place.

“There’s no easy answer.”