Promotion earns boss new deal

Ford, pictured signing a new two year deal with Banbury United chairman Ronnie Johnson, was rewarded for steering his side to promotion to the EVO-STIK League Southern's top flight in his first season at the helm since taking over last summer.

After the biggest Spencer Stadium crowd since 1994 saw Ford's Puritans triumph 2-0 at home to Taunton Town in May in the EVO-STIK League Southern's Division One South & West play-off final, the club's board have told fans they were keen to build on that success and foster stability by securing their manager's services.

Johnson said: “We enjoyed a fantastic first season as a supporters’ owned club thanks to the success Mike brought on the pitch. Mike is a very professional manager and we were keen to secure his services to help us develop in the coming seasons."

Ford has seen his side get off to a flying start with two wins from two since signing his new deal last weekend, a 1-0 home win over Slough Town to open their account followed by a 1-0 success at Basingstoke on Tuesday night.

The Puritans manager said: “This commitment gives me the opportunity to continue the great work from last season and further develop the excellent squad of players we have at the club."

He added: "I think we are moving forwards on and off the pitch and I am delighted to be a part of that.”