Mike Ford says his testimonial against a Manchester United XI at the Manor tonight (7.30) gives him a chance to say a proper thank-you to the Oxford United fans.

Ford spent ten years at Oxford, during which he built up a great rapport with the supporters. But his departure to Cardiff two years' ago meant that he left United without saying a proper farewell and he hopes to do that tonight.

"I'm looking forward to the match immensly," Ford said. "I've never really had a chance to say a proper goodbye and thank-you to the Oxford supporters, so I can do that now."

And with ticket sales at about 4,500, the former Oxford and present Cardiff skipper is hopeful the Manor faithful will welcome him back. "I hope I'll get a good reception. I've been back with Cardiff earlier this season and got a good welcome back from the fans. From a professional point of view, I am obviously very disappointed that Cardiff got relegated but my sadness is tinged with some happiness as Oxford have stayed up and I have a lot of friends there. In some respects, I'm happy that Oxford didn't go down."

Most players approached by Ford to play in the match agreed, but with the play-offs looming, not all were able to commit themselves.

However, he is hopeful that they can turn up, even if it is just to take part in a half-time penalty shoot-out. "The idea is to hold a penalty shoot-out at half-time so I hope people can take part in that even if they can't play in the match."

*All seat tickets for the game have been sold but fans wishing to stand on the terraces can pay on the night. Entry is 8 for adults, 5 for under 16s and over 65s. Turnstiles open at 6.30.