Karl Robinson issues update on Oxford United ownership

Today marks a year since it emerged the club’s Indonesian investors had made an offer for the majority stake in the U’s. 

Robinson said last September that the ownership change was subject to English Football League (EFL) approval, but updates have been few and far between. 

Those part of the deal are already heavily involved at United, including directors Anindya Bakrie and Horst Geicke, and former board member Erick Thohir. 

Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth remains United’s owner and chairman.

Robinson is in regular contact with the ownership group and insists their commitment to the club is as strong as ever. 

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United’s head coach said: “Their input has been incredible and there’s a number of components of that.  

“When people talk about ‘new owners’, it’s the same owners and just a shift in percentages.  

“That’s all it’s ever been, but everyone seems to want to make a story about it.” 

This week saw more progress off the pitch, as Oxfordshire County Council allowed United to enter detailed discussions about leasing land at Stratfield Brake, Kidlington, where they hope to build a new stadium.

Robinson added: “We’ve been very calm throughout this process, every single one has been so contactable throughout my four years here and always respectful to what we’re trying to achieve.  

“Everyone knows about the stadium and the training ground, which will be invested in again this summer. 

“We had exciting meetings last week about the academy being here more often and the women’s team.  

“Everything they do is for the future, but people also need to be slightly patient along this road.  

“For all the talking that we do, there are processes that have to be put into place.  

“Sometimes the processes can take longer than the actual build and we know this football club’s certainly got a bright future.”