DARRYL Eales says Firoz Kassam’s admission that he wants to sell the Kassam Stadium to make it a community-owned facility is ‘hugely positive news’.

The Oxford United chairman was not involved in the talks between the stadium’s landlord and supporters’ trust OxVox.

But after the Oxford Mail revealed on Saturday that Kassam was looking to sell the facility ‘to benefit the community’, Eales was quick to give his backing to the move – even though he admitted he has made three offers to buy the stadium himself.

“The announcement that Firoz Kassam will sell the ground to a Community Trust is hugely positive news,” he said.

“I have been consistent in stating that the club needs the ability to operate and develop the stadium if it is to realise its full potential maximise and the benefit, whatever the ownership structure, needs to be for the club and community.

“If the announcement is sincere, then it provides the long-awaited opportunity to enable us to enhance and develop the stadium and its facilities so as to build a sustainable future and make it a loved and cared for home of the club and, of course, complete the fourth stand.”

He added: “I have also said on numerous occasions that football clubs should not be property plays and that stadia should be developed as community hubs.”

Kassam stressed negotiations were at a very early stage, but confirmed he wanted to see the stadium ‘passed into community ownership for the future security of the football club and the benefit of the local community.’

Despite hoping OxVox and Kassam would reach a deal ‘as soon as possible’ Eales revealed that he has made offers to purchase the stadium on three occasions.

“Ordinarily, I would prefer to keep any conversations about the stadium confidential,” he said.

“But, given the ann-ouncement, I can add that I have made funded offers to purchase the stadium on three occasions, in writing, which I am sure Firoz will confirm.

“Two of these were rejected and the most recent is still on the table but, as yet, I have received no response.”

“My plea is now to make swift progress.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the by the end of the season, sooner if possible, that the stadium ownership is resolved for the long term and in the best interests of Oxford United and the community.”