OXFORD United’s board are targeting infrastructure as the best way to put the club on a more solid footing, according to director Horst Geicke.

Gaining increased control of their training ground is a priority and could come to fruition as early as next week if a plan to transfer the lease is approved by the council.

Then attention will be turned to the biggest issue of all – the stadium.

Geicke, who joined the U’s a year ago, watched Saturday’s 3-0 win over Gillingham alongside fellow director Anindya Bakrie and chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth.

They all endured a difficult first full season at the helm, with late payments triggering a succession of reputation-damaging winding-up petitions.

Geicke, born in Germany but now based in Hong Kong, is determined to see the U’s progress on and off the field.

He said: “Of course you always have the highest expectations (for the team), but to be realistic if we come close to being in the play-offs this season that would be fabulous.

“Last year was difficult. We are very good now and hopefully it continues, but the next big challenge is when it comes to the transfer window that we don’t lose guys.

“So we need to show we’re financially stable and can offer them (the players) what they deserve.”

He added: “There are so many other things. We want to secure the training ground.

“It would put us literally on more stable ground. Then you can tackle the stadium idea.

“We have a few more years of lease here, but you need time.

“It’s not something that can be done tomorrow.”

A lack of control as tenants at the Kassam Stadium severely handicaps the club’s ability to generate revenue, leading to a heavy reliance on cash injections from the board to stay afloat.

United’s lease expires in 2026, but given the length of time it would take to plan and build a new home, time is of the essence.

The club have noticeably stepped up efforts to find a solution over the past 12 months and Geicke is keen to get more involved.

While there has been no tangible progress over a land deal, the 64-year-old believes the future lies in moving from Grenoble Road.

“Yes, this is not the very best lease and relationship we have here with the stadium owner,” he said.

“I have decided I want to meet some people and talk to them about what they expect, where the city sees their support and co-operation with such a stadium.”

The rocky start under Tiger’s ownership heightened suspicions over the board’s plans for United.

Bakrie stressed they all see it as a long-term investment, but the recent upsurge in form for Karl Robinson’s side has encouraged the hierarchy.

However, the Indonesian entrepreneur was unable to guarantee the issues from last season could not be repeated.

He said: “I think I’m not in a position to say that, but it’s certainly the objective for all the directors, to put that behind us sooner rather than later.

“I know Tiger is working really hard for that and also winning breeds winning.”

He added: “We know this is not a quick in-and-out investment.

“It’s one you want to grow with the community and the fans.

“What is more important is the direction and the momentum. I think we’ve got that.

“We’ve been in the investment for less than one year and we’ve started to understand the challenges and the opportunities.

“If we continue to play like this, confidence will grow and the stakeholders will only support them.”