Oxford City boss Mike Ford has brought in former Oxford United midfielder Paul Wanless as player-coach.

The Banbury-born 36-year-old made 390 Football League appearances for Oxford – where he played 97 games in two spells – Lincoln City and Cambridge United.

He moved to Forest Green Rovers in July 2005, before standing in as caretaker-manager when Gary Owers departed.

Wanless then became assistant to Jim Harvey before joining Welsh Premier side Llanelli as player-coach in May 2007.

Ford said: “He will also be available for the team selection, but is primarily here to give some experience and knowledge to the coaching side.

“Next season will be very interesting and exciting and I for one am really looking to it.”

Meanwhile, midfielders Jamie Brooks and Darren Pond have re-signed for next season, but ex-U’s defender Andy Gunn is leaving City.

Ford explained: “All players were given a June 1 deadline for making a decision on their futures at the club.

“Andy was the only one not to come back to me, so although it’s very disappointing to lose his services we move on.”

Leigh Thomas takes over from Neil Greig as physiotherapist.

Ford added: “Neil Greig has been at the club a long time and has done a great job for Oxford City. But due to his extra workload his availability has become less and less.

“Leigh will be with us full-time and this will definitely add to the continuity we are trying to develop.”