FOOTBALL: Ford salutes backroom staff (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: Ford salutes backroom staff

10:00am Friday 19th October 2012 in Football By Nick Farrant, Sports reporter specialising in Non League Football. Call me on 01865 425488

Oxford City boss Mike Ford has applauded the contribution of his backroom staff to this season’s success.

City sit in fourth having thrashed Workington 5-0 last weekend and will look to keep up their good form when they travel to Vauxhall Motors tomorrow.

While acknowledging the hard work of his players, he said the role of assistant boss Stuart Peace, coach Andy Sinnott, fitness specialist Chris Adams, and physio Amy Taylor was also vital.

“I don’t know what happens at other clubs, but if they have as good a staff as I have got, they are very lucky.

“Stuart brings his experience of winning the FA Vase, a national competition.

“Andy’s been around non-League football for longer than he can remember. Chris and Amy have been really good.

“We have some good characters in the dressing room, all that experience, and a group that is working really hard.

“We have played only 12 games and we are halfway to safety, so while it’s going our way and everybody’s fit we have to make sure we take advantage.” Meanwhile, Ford could start with Steve Basham upfront, following his brace against Workington, or stick with the man he replaced, fellow goalscorer Nabil Sharif.

“Steve’s made it very difficult for me not to pick him, so I’ve got a big decision to make,” admitted Ford.

Declan Benjamin is unavailable, though Liam Malone is back from a ban.

Albi Skendi (hamstring) faces a late test.

Oxford City: Carter, Mills, Learoyd, Willmott, Stonehouse, Ballard, Pond, Walcott, Sharif, Cook, Basham, Barcelos, Malone, Skendi, Gunn.