FOOTBALL: Forinton eyeing Banbury return (From The Oxford Times)

FOOTBALL: Forinton eyeing Banbury return

10:40am Friday 16th March 2012 in Evo-Stick Southern Premier Table & Results By Russell Smith, Sports reporter specialising in horse racing. Call me on 01865 425453

STRIKER Howard Forinton is set to return to Banbury United for a fourth spell.

Manager Ady Fuller has put in a seven-day approach with Daventry Town for the 36-year-old former Birmingham City forward – and is hopeful the move will be tied up by Tuesday.

Forinton played under Fuller at the Northants club last season, and Banbury’s boss believes his experience will prove invaluable as the Puritans seek to preserve their Premier Division status.

Fuller, who takes his side to fellow strugglers Swindon Supermarine tomorrow, said: “Howard can offer us a lot of experience. He is very fit at the minute because he is running the London Marathon next month.

“He has had a great career and is a super footballer, and is someone who will help the young lads along.

“He has scored a lot of goals in his career and knows where the back of the net is when he gets a chance.”

Forinton had six years in the professional game after leaving Oxford City for Yeovil Town.

He scored 23 goals in 25 games there, prompting Birmingham boss Trevor Francis to pay £75,000 for him.

However, he only made five first-team appearances for Blues, and had loan spells at Plymouth Argyle and Blackpool, before signing for Peterborough United for £250,000.

But injuries hampered his career, and after spells at Oxford City, Farnborough Town and Stevenage Borough, he joined Banbury for the first time in 2004, scoring 22 goals in 38 games, before joining Halesowen.

He returned to Banbury a season later, hitting 13 goals in 36 games.

Forinton left Spencer Stadium to join Redditch United in 2007, but was back at Banbury the following year.

At the end of 2009, he moved to Woodford United, and then on to Daventry.

Striker Josh Blake and midfielder Wes Emery are set to return from injury tomorrow, but Danny Edmond (ankle) remains sidelined.

Banbury Utd: from Kemp, Coleman, Polk, Dolman, Thackeray, Emery, Howell, Cole, Johnson, Angus, Williams, Blake, Chilton, Lamb, Kinch, Richardson.