OXFORD United's new technical director Ray Harford appears keen to get involved in all aspects of management at the Manor.

'Kit man' Ken Ridley has already been asked to get a football strip for the 54-year-old former Blackburn boss, which indicates he wants to help out at training.

Harford will be in the same manager's office as first-team coach Mickey Lewis and his assistant Les Taylor.

The room is cramped when there are two in there - let alone three - but Harford has said he would prefer to be there, and involved with the team, rather than detached in the front office.

Lewis said: "Ray's told us he's available for anything we want him to do.

"Initially, it's just good to talk to someone with his experience, and have ideas bouncing off three people rather than two."

Meanwhile, Harford says he was impressed by the players' and supporters' patience in the 2-1 FA Cup replay win against Shrewsbury, which went to extra-time.

He said: "I thought the team were very patient. They kept trying to pass the ball and they got their rewards.

"The players were all wanting the ball, and they stuck at it, which isn't always easy in a cup game.

"And I was impressed with the fans - they kept with them as well.

"The boys are going to need patience, so it's important the crowd are behind them."

Story date: Saturday 04 December

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