Mike Ford (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Michael Paul "Mike" Ford (born 9 February 1966 in Bristol
) is a former English
professional footballer. His father Tony Ford was also a professional footballer.
where he became a full-time professional at the age of eighteen. He was released by the club without making an appearance and moved to non-league side Devizes Town
but he was signed a few months later by Cardiff City
and quickly made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United
. A mainstay in the side Ford played in numerous positions for Cardiff in defence and midfield and helped them to promotion in his final year at the club. He signed for Oxford United
in 1988 and was eventually made club captain. He spent ten years at the Manor Ground before being released in 1998 and being taken back to Ninian Park
by Frank Burrows
, who handed the captaincy and he again helped Cardiff to promotion.
During the 1999-2000 season he developed a problem with a disc in his back and was forced to retire. After his retirement he was appointed as youth team manager at Oxford and was called back into action for the team in 2000 when the team faced an injury crisis, making one appearance against Bristol City
. Ford also took over as caretaker manager on two separate occasions for Oxford when they were between managers and was working as assistant manager at the club when he was fired in 2003, a decision which caused outrage among Oxford fans. After he was sacked Ford had a spell playing for non-league side Thame United
.
Ford is now currently the manager of Southern League
Premier Division football team, Oxford City. He is also working as a football coach at the North Oxfordshire Academy
teaching 16-21 year old's football skills and theory at the Academy sixth form.
Bristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
) is a former English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
professional footballer. His father Tony Ford was also a professional footballer.
Career
Ford began his career at Leicester CityLeicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
where he became a full-time professional at the age of eighteen. He was released by the club without making an appearance and moved to non-league side Devizes Town
Devizes Town F.C.
Devizes Town F.C. is a football club based in Devizes, Wiltshire, England.They are members of the Western Football League Division One. They play at Nursteed Road: the official opening of the ground took place in 1965. The first team is currently managed by Paul Thompson and his assistant Steve Hale...
but he was signed a few months later by Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
and quickly made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
. A mainstay in the side Ford played in numerous positions for Cardiff in defence and midfield and helped them to promotion in his final year at the club. He signed for Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
in 1988 and was eventually made club captain. He spent ten years at the Manor Ground before being released in 1998 and being taken back to Ninian Park
Ninian Park
Ninian Park was a football stadium in Leckwith, Cardiff, Wales. Until 2009, it was the home ground of Cardiff City F.C., who compete in the English Football League Championship...
by Frank Burrows
Frank Burrows
Frank Burrows is a Scottish soccer manager, and former player.-Biography:Frank Burrows began his football career at Scottish club Raith Rovers. In 1965 he moved south to England and joined Scunthorpe United. Impressive performances as a defender for Scunthorpe led to him being signed by Swindon...
, who handed the captaincy and he again helped Cardiff to promotion.
During the 1999-2000 season he developed a problem with a disc in his back and was forced to retire. After his retirement he was appointed as youth team manager at Oxford and was called back into action for the team in 2000 when the team faced an injury crisis, making one appearance against Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
. Ford also took over as caretaker manager on two separate occasions for Oxford when they were between managers and was working as assistant manager at the club when he was fired in 2003, a decision which caused outrage among Oxford fans. After he was sacked Ford had a spell playing for non-league side Thame United
Thame United F.C.
Thame United F.C. are a football club based in Thame, Oxfordshire, England. They were established in 1883 and joined the Hellenic League in 1959.-History:Thame United were formed in 1883 and spent their early years playing in local Oxfordshire leagues...
.
Ford is now currently the manager of Southern League
Southern Football League
The Southern League is an English football competition featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs from the South West, South Central and Midlands of England and South Wales...
Premier Division football team, Oxford City. He is also working as a football coach at the North Oxfordshire Academy
North Oxfordshire Academy
North Oxfordshire Academy is a city academy in Banbury, Oxfordshire which opened in September 2007, replacing the former Drayton School. Its sixth form opened in September 2008. The Principal of North Oxfordshire Academy is Sara Billins.The previous Principal, Ruth Robinson, left in October...
teaching 16-21 year old's football skills and theory at the Academy sixth form.