FIROZ KASSAM has remained silent as talks continue with supporters’ group OxVox over ownership of Oxford United’s stadium.

Despite numerous approaches from the Oxford Mail, Mr Kassam has not responded to questions over the ongoing negotiations to sell the ground and make it a community-owned facility.

It is a week since the club’s explosive statement warning it could be forced to play home games elsewhere if talks between the businessman and OxVox didn’t progress more quickly.

The group - which has more than 800 members - had revealed ‘heads of terms’ over the ground’s sale could be agreed by the end of the season.

But the U’s board of directors, not involved in the discussions, said they were ‘dismayed’ by the slow progress.

Their statement added: “While we understand that certain issues cannot be resolved until later, there is no reason why an outline of the deal cannot be signed in weeks, even days, and not months as suggested.”

“The ongoing stadium uncertainty will result in us having to retrench our ambitions, narrow our horizons and even look at playing elsewhere until we find a new, permanent home.

“This will also mean a serious review of the playing budget and of our support of the academy.”

Some United fans rushed to the defence of OxVox - pointing out the group had made more progress than the club had in the negotiations.