THE departing chairman of Oxford United’s Supporters’ Trust has called on fans to get behind the side during their battle to stay up during the run-in.

But Mark Sennett, who stepped down after four years as OxVox chairman last weekend, admits he has concerns over longer term issues at the club.

The most immediate is winning the battle to secure Football League status, with United still at least two wins away from safety with nine games remaining.

Sennett said: “As a fan you always want to be optimistic.

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“Every fan needs to get behind the players at games.

“We need at least seven more points to stay up – that’s eminently achievable.

“The fans have been great as always, but the players need to get results.”

Sennett is grateful for the level of investment put in by Darryl Eales since taking over as U’s chairman last summer, but believes there are several key areas where results are needed sooner rather than later.

“I would say it is a critical time,”

he said.

“Touch wood we are still in League Two, but in 12 months’ time if we are in the same position I would be pretty panicked.

“It’s just my opinion, not everyone will agree with it, but what can’t be argued with are the facts and we haven’t moved forward.

“You’ve got the stadium, debt levels, results on the pitch and attendances.”

He added: “What can’t be argued is the owner has backed the management throughout and that’s a real credit to him.

“He deserves, like the fans, better results.”

OxVox will elect a new chairman at a committee meeting next month, with Jeremy Faulkner expected to take over.

Sennett was proud of his record in charge, but felt it was time he stepped aside to spend more time with family.

When asked about the best aspect of the club, he said: “The youth and community system.

“There’s a great set-up with good people like Chris Allen and I hope they can grow this because it’s fantastic to see local lads doing well in a yellow shirt.”