By Jon Murray RAY Harford has told Mickey Lewis he doesn't need to worry about him chasing his job.

While Lewis, who was confirmed on Thursday as Oxford United's first-team coach and main man until the end of the season, has been a football manager for barely a month, Harford has a wealth of experience under his belt.

Incredibly, the two have yet to meet. And Harford said: "I'm looking forward to meeting Mickey. I haven't even spoken to him yet. And I want to reassure him that I'm not a threat to him."

Harford's management career has seen him in charge of England Under 21 sides, and he formed an outstanding partnership with Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn Rovers which led to the Premiership title. He then went on to manage Blackburn when Dalglish left.

Harford later spent a short time as boss at West Bromwich Albion and when he quit The Hawthorns, he left the club third in Division 1.

He walked out on West Brom because he said the travelling from his Greater London home was too much for him, and then joined QPR. Albion fans were not enamoured by his subsequent decision to join Derby County as an assistant to Jim Smith, because Pride Park was even further along the motorways than The Hawthorns!

Ironically, he says among the many things he has missed has been the travelling! And the one-hour journey from his home to Oxford won't be a problem, he says.

Director Fenton Higgins has confirmed that, although Harford has been appointed as technical director, he will not be joining the board of directors.

Harford is unable to be at United's Division 2 game at Chesterfield today, because he has a pre-arranged holiday until Monday.

His first day at the Manor will be on Tuesday when the U's attempt to see off Shrewsbury Town that evening in their FA Cup second round replay.

United chairman Firoz Kassam says that, following the appointments of Lewis and Harford, money will be made available to strengthen the squad.

"Now that the longer-term future of the club looks more secure, I am in position to make money available," he said.

Story date: Saturday 27 November

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