The memory of a football fan is notoriously short. Their team, manager or chairman is only as good as the last game. Not surprising then that few Oxford United fans are shedding a tear at the departure of Firoz Kassam. Performances on the pitch have gone from bad to worse under his chairmanship and the club stands perilously close to going out of the football league.

And yet, as the images of him departing this week testify, a modern stadium bearing his name now stands proud on the outskirts of Oxford. Who can forget the years that a half-built stadium stood neglected as Oxford United struggled to stay in business. Kassam arrived like a white knight to take over, promising to complete the stadium.

He was as good as his word. Kassam may not be a football man but he is a good businessman. His price for building the stadium was the associated development of a hotel, multiplex cinema and bowling alley.

Kassam did very well out of the deal but United also got its stadium. Some would argue that the council taxpayer did not get value for money out of the price Kassam paid for land. Politically, however, it was important for Kassam to succeed.

Firoz Kassam will remain an important figure in Oxford United's history. His mistake was in believing that he could extend his business skills to running a football club. Few successful football clubs are built on sound business practice. Many are bankrolled by owners more governed by sentiment than the bottom line. Financial success is as nothing compared to success on the pitch.

Kassam held on to the club for too long. He could have got out earlier with his head held high.

Fans celebrating the new ownership should be under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead. The journey back up the league is not a certain one. They should also spare a thought for what might have happened if Kassam had not bought the club seven years ago.