OXFORD United’s supporters trust expressed its optimism after meeting the board members who are set to take control of the club.

OxVox spoke to U’s directors Anindya Bakrie and Horst Geicke, plus their associates, ahead of Tuesday’s game against Accrington Stanley at the Kassam Stadium.

It came three days after head coach Karl Robinson revealed the deal that would see United’s Indonesian investors take a minimum 51 per cent holding was awaiting English Football League (EFL) approval.

Indonesian Bakrie and Geicke, from Germany, who sit on United’s board alongside chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth, are among those increasing their stake in the club.

Read also: Karl Robinson on being watched by the board on Tuesday

It means a reshuffling in the boardroom, but Tiger will remain involved.

It read: “The share situation is a complex one and shares have been reallocated over the last couple of months but it is worth repeating that until the ownership is ratified by the EFL, Tiger remains chairman and owner of the club.

“The shares are set to change again soon and as has already been said, the ‘Indonesian’ board members are due to take a controlling 51 per cent stake.

“Horst Geicke will also increase his stake and Tiger will continue with a minority stake.”

News of the change of ownership was revealed in March and it is unclear how long the deal has been with the EFL.

It is thought to involve former U’s director and ex-Inter Milan owner Erick Thohir, who stepped down from the board in October 2019 after being appointed Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises minister.

He has longstanding connections with Bakrie, who attended his first game of the season on Tuesday and spoke to United staff beforehand.

OxVox did not have the chance to hold a ‘proper question and answer session’, but will send a list of questions via email.

Read also: Update on Oxford United's ownership changes

The trust did ask Bakrie about his vision for United, including the stadium situation, and gained a positive impression.

The update continues: “He spoke in passionate terms about wanting to build sustainably and grow the club on and off the field.

“As with all assertions made by owners/board members of clubs we retain a level of caution over promises that are made to fans.

“That being said, if the fairest way to judge any group is by their actions, then we have indeed seen a fundamental improvement in the foundations of the club.”

United are tenants at the Kassam Stadium, where their lease expires in 2026.

The update says the club is ‘actively pursuing the possibility’ of a new ground, adding: “This is the most organised and concerted effort on this front we have seen since we left the Manor Ground (in 2001).

“There are huge issues that stand in the way of any project this large but it’s clear the board intend to work hard to overcome these.

“We would at this point strike a note of caution over the potential new stadium.

“It remains an incredibly difficult and probably lengthy process and while we are fully behind the club’s effort and working with them where we can, there is also a lot of work done on all options to improve our situation.”

It adds: “The conversation with Anin Bakrie ended with a brief discussion about communication and he agreed the club needed to do more to engage with supporters and improve communication.

“This point is one that OxVox have been pressing the club on for some time and it was encouraging to hear that they intend to address it.”