Oxford United fans win

        

   We're delighted with the council's decision. This means United supporters will now never wake up one morning to read in the paper that the stadium has been sold, with no recourse.A decision on those applications to the respective local authorities, under the government's Localism Act, is expected in the next four to six weeks.The stadium is of huge local importance to the people of Oxfordshire and the club's role is a source of huge community benefit and pride.They will then have six months to put together their own bid for the stadium.Because of this listing, supporters and the Oxfordshire community will be able to play more of a role in its destiny.There are still too many cases of football grounds being treated like any other asset, and this legislation gives us an opportunity to begin to change that assumption," said Hall.Oxford have played at the stadium since it was opened in 2001 by then-U's owner Firoz Kassam, who sold the club but kept the ground in 2006.We've had significant interest since we started promoting this scheme amongst out member supporters' trusts, and both the Manchester United Supporters' Trust and Spirit of Shankly are currently seeking listings for Old Trafford and Anfield,Current club owner Ian Lenagan has previously stated his desire to try to buy the ground, although a joint bid with rugby union side London Welsh, who moved in last summer after their Old Deer Park home did not meet Premiership criteria, has also been mooted.