OxVox call on lapsed fans to help club

7:16pm Friday 3rd October 2008

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Supporters trust OxVox have put out a rallying call to all "lapsed" Oxford United fans to come back and help the club in their time of need.

They too want to help the U's get through their short-term financial problems, as they reiterated in a press conference in the city yesterday.

And OxVox secretary Chris Davis said fans who used to come to matches but haven't for a while, can play a big part in ensuring the club survives, simply by returning to home games between now and the end of the season.

"Fans need to tell the players how disappointed they are with results and where they are in the league, and some do this vocally during games," Davis said. "Some fans do it purely by staying away.

"We wish to appeal to all lapsed supporters to come along to the Rushden game today or in future home games, and to bring friends along – this could make a big difference.

"The vocal support has been excellent for the last two or three years. We need to increase the numbers through the turnstiles in the same way.

"This would create a happier feel around the club and help in attracting potential investors if they see big attendances."

OxVox are handing out leaflets at today's game, explaining how fans can donate to the OxVox Yellow Future Fund, and the ring-fenced Youth Development Fund, and also get involved simply by joining OxVox itself.

The independent supporters trust, one of 100 set up by fans for fans around the country under the Supporters Direct Initiatve, have 400 members and are keen to expand further.

OxVox said they appreciated that some fans found it hard to relate to the trust, who in the past have been outspoken on specific matters, but this was a time for everyone to unite.

"We're simply trying to work for the success of the club, whatever the events may be," said chairman Trevor Lambert.

And trust treasurer Neil Carter added: "The club has a short-term cash-flow crisis, and that's what needs to be addressed now.

"We need to get the club into calmer waters," he said, stressing the situation was "grave".

OxVox committee members claimed they knew that, although the salaries of everyone at Oxford United have been paid, the current rent hasn't.