OXFORD United’s positive outcome from a council meeting remains just one step in a long journey, senior figures at the club have said.

United’s search for a new stadium moved forward yesterday when Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet followed up its recommendation to allow officers to begin talks on ‘outline legal and commercial terms’.

That decision was with regards to ‘The Triangle’, south of Kidlington Roundabout.

READ AGAIN: Oxford United’s search for new stadium takes step forward

Speaking prior to kick-off against Wycombe Wanderers last night, U’s chief strategy officer Niall McWilliams was quick to remind supporters that the cabinet meeting was ‘a small step in a long journey’.

He said: “As far as we’re concerned, it’s the best possible news.

“We’ve got to be realistic here and understand this is a small step in a long journey, we’ve got a lot of work to do in relation to planning and speaking to stakeholders, and how this project goes forward.

“We need to make sure we engage the stakeholders, so that’s the local community, in addition to our fans.

“We have to respect other people’s views and act accordingly to that.

“We know there’s an awful lot of quiet support.

“I’m very hopeful we can convince people this is the right thing but it’s really important we don’t take anything for granted.

“We have to work with the county council and put a schedule together.”

Head coach Karl Robinson added: “It was outstanding when we heard the news in the hotel, there was a few of us there and some of the board members as well.

“It’s outstanding but only the first hurdle as you’d well imagine.

“We know there’s many more complex situations that will be put in front of us on this journey but it’s as far as we’ve got for a long time to owning a home since the Manor.

“It’s been the biggest drive of the ownership and what they want to achieve here.

“The news is outstanding but from now on, it’s about the football.”

United’s hunt for a new home is taking on more significance as the licence agreement at the Kassam Stadium is set to run out in 2026, after which point the club could find itself homeless.

Planning permission for a new stadium would be required from Cherwell District Council, as the local planning authority.