Oxford City have announced that their management team are to go full-time from next season.

Hereford are set to face Oxford in the National League North in the 2019/20 campaign as both they, and Gloucester are virtually certain of being switched from the National League South in the summer due to the number of southern-based clubs relegated from the National League itself.

Oxford say they are “rewarding” boss Mark Jones after guiding the club to a respectable mid-table finish.

City also reached the FA Cup First Round for the second successive season.

The new management team will include former player Andy Ballard as Jones’ assistant – who links up with Oxford from Didcot Town.

“Mark Jones has worked hard to achieve the internal targets set for the team and we are delighted to be able to progress Mark’s role into a full time position,” a statement on the club’s official website said.

“This will enable increased time for player recruitment, team preparation, match analysis and to develop close links with other teams within the club.

“Mark’s leadership has resulted in a number of key achievements this season including sustaining our position as a National League club, reaching the first round of the FA Cup for the second successive season, developing the brand of football, and successfully developing a high number of young players.”

There has been some speculation at Edgar Street about a switch to full-time players and staff, but this appears to have been ruled out at this stage. Both Marc Richards and Tim Harris have roles and business interests away from Hereford FC.

Clubs such as Telford train three times a week, including a Monday morning session, whereas the Bulls currently train only on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Image: Oxford City FC

 

 

 

 

By Editor

Lifelong Hereford supporter who has endured the rise and fall of the club through progressive generations. Sports journalist, broadcaster and commentator who will never forget his Edgar Street roots.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.