FIROZ Kassam, the potential new owner of Oxford United, announced last night that he is prepared to take over the club.

Speaking at the FOUL (Fighting for Oxford United's Life) supporters meeting at Oxford Town Hall, Kassam - who had planned to attend but not to speak - told supporters: "From what I've heard today, I promise you, we will get there.

"I give you my word, if we all work together, my commitment is there - and I'll do it."

Kassam seemed overwhelmed when he addressed the audience and admitted: "I am honestly touched by what has happened today."

The news came as a tremendous boost to United fans, who gave him a standing ovation as he left.

About 500 fans turned up to hear about the latest developments at the club, following the resignation of managing director Keith Cox.

Oxford City Council leader John Tanner addressed the audience and told them that the council are committed to seeing the continuation of first-class football in Oxford, and that they will do all they can to make Kassam's involvement possible.

But he admitted that certain criteria must be met for this to be possible, the main one being that, although they would welcome the possibility of building next to the ground at Minchery Farm, the new stadium must be completed.

But FOUL chairman Steve Hanks launched an attack on the Council.

"Talk is very cheap," he said. "But what we need now is action. Prompt and very real action."

And he went on to outline FOUL's plan for Oxford supporters to stand at the council elections.

"We will certainly be getting opposition ready for the council elections and we will start our preparation campaign.

"We hope Mr Kassam ends up buying the club and we will hopefully work with him to do whatever the fans need to do to help the club survive."

And the idea is to start a 'Yellow Brick Road' campaign, whereby every supporter can donate a brick, along with £20, to build one stand at Minchery Farm.

Kassam is currently in talks with the council, and Tanner hopes to meet him later this month.

Tanner added: " I think the show of support tonight has really taken things forward.

"It's impressed me, it's impressed Mr Kassam and I hope that if everybody works together, we can open the stadium very soon."

Story date: Wednesday 10 February

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.