BETTING on the new Oxford United manager has been suspended by local bookmakers River Racing.

The Walton Street-based firm, who had Ray Harford as the 6-4 favourite with Mickey Lewis on 7-4 when they closed their book, have taken the step with an announcement thought to be imminent.

Steve Jones, director of River Racing, said: "The fun and games are now over. Betting is suspended and we are looking forward to hearing the announcement."

Meanwhile, Kevin Francis joined United's players yesterday for his first full training session since May.

The giant striker is now looking at the possibility of returning to action just seven months after rupturing his Achilles in United's final game of last season against Stockport.

Meanwhile, it's a case of swapping places for Oxford United and Oxford City today with City playing their FA Cup replay against Wycombe Wanderers at the Manor Ground and United playing their Avon Insurance Combination game against Bristol City Res at City's Court Place Farm today (1).

Oxford United Res: (from) Arendse, R Weatherstone, Davis, Shepheard, Ricketts, S Weatherstone, Whitehead, King, Cook, Abbey, Hamp. Subs: King, Spence, Brooks.

SHREWSBURY Town, Oxford United's opponents in the second round of the FA Cup at Gay Meadow on Saturday, have appointed former Wales and Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe as their manager until the end of the season.

Ratcliffe, the former boss at Chester, succeeds Jake King who was sacked by the struggling Division 3 club last week.

Story date: Wednesday 17 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.