Oxford United: U’s placed under transfer embargo by EFL

Jerome Sale, BBC Radio Oxford

Let’s be clear: this is not good news.

We’re used to seeing heat warnings at this time of year, but for supporters who read this and worry about the club’s future, this should come with an amber alert attached.

Taken at face value, you can argue the current squad is strong enough to be competitive this season.

The greater concern is the longer-term reputational damage, which could affect confidence in the club as a whole.

There are mitigating factors – a club that has just been relegated, at the same time new regulations have come into force, was always likely to find the compliance process more challenging.

However, this is also a consequence of spending having increased significantly across the club in recent years.

Requiring owners to provide a substantial portion of next year’s funding in advance is a significant demand.

However, United’s Indonesian backers have consistently been portrayed as both wealthy and willing to invest.

The guidance I’ve received is that the situation is expected to be resolved over the coming months – even so, United knew these regulations were coming, and many inside and outside the club had been led to believe everything would already be in place.

What must rookie head coach Aaron Ramsey make of this, barely a fortnight into his tenure?

I’m told it’s business as usual.

The lights are on, staff were paid on time last week, and the players will head to their training camp in Spain this weekend.

But doubts and concerns will inevitably linger in the minds of players and supporters alike, and those concerns now need to be addressed.