Oxford United chairman Darryl Eales was encouraged by the response from supporters at a forum held at the Kassam Stadium last night.

About 200 fans turned out and asked questions of Eales, chief executive Mark Ashton and head coach Michael Appleton during a 90-minute session.

It was the first forum for the trio since they arrived at the club in July, and Eales, who has a long background in business, enjoyed the experience.

“I suppose because of my career I don't mind challenging questions, providing people are prepared to listen to the answers,” he said.

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“The most interesting thing was right at the end from the number of people who came up and expressed support.

“That means a huge amount, because it means we are being appreciated for trying to do the right thing.”

A wide range of topics was covered, ranging from an assessment of players in the youth team to whether United’s future is at the Kassam Stadium or a site in Water Eaton.

Among the information revealed was a breakdown of the club’s ownership, which had not been fully disclosed since the takeover in July.

Eales said 51 per cent of the club belongs to parent company, ENSCO 1070, of which he owns 86 per cent and Ashton owns 12 per cent.

Ian Lenagan has a 38 per cent stake in the club, with the remainder taken up by many smaller individual shareholders.

The atmosphere of the evening was positive.

However, at one stage it did get heated as Eales robustly defended himself against suggestions he had become involved in the club for a property deal.

The U’s chairman said afterwards: “I think Michael Appleton, Mark Ashton and myself are winners and a winning attitude comes with at least a little bit of edge.

“Hopefully I didn’t offend anyone, but I am passionate about this club.”

He added: “The reality is Mark, Michael and myself have come into this purely to help this club realise its real potential.

“That is our sole motivation, there isn’t another agenda.

“We just need to be judged on what we actually do and hopefully we conveyed a pretty consistent and positive message throughout the whole evening.”

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