Oxford City boss Mike Ford has saluted Darren Pond’s attitude after the midfielder won an awards double at the Blue Square Bet North side’s annual presentation night.

The former Banbury United man, who was unable to be at the event at the Marsh Lane club, was named the players’ player of the season and the manager’s player.

Skipper Andy Ballard was voted supporters’ player.

“I think the players’ player vote was very close where there were four outstanding candidates and the manager’s vote was between two or three excellent candidates,” said Ford.

“Darren got my vote because of his versatility.

“During the season, he was asked to play in a number of possitions, but he didn’t complain – he just got on with it.”

Ford hopes that Pond and Ballard will put pen to paper on new deals after their contracts ran out.

Forwards Felipe Barcelos, Steve Basham and Jamie Cook plus defenders Paul Stonehouse and Chris Willmott have also received offers.

Ford said: “I don’t want this group of players to be broken up. I’ve worked damn hard to get them together and I’d like to tie them down for more than a year.

“We have made offers to the players out of contract and now I’m just waiting to hear back from them. They are all key players for us.”

Ford is optimistic that keeper Nick Townsend could be back with them next season.

The teenager, who was on loan from Birmingham City, has been offered a new contract with Blues.

Ford added: “He may be loaned back out to us or to a club higher up than us. We’re hoping he will stay with us.”

City will find out on Friday whether they will remain in Conference North or be switched to Conference South.

BANBURY United defender Luke Cray won three awards at the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division club’s awards night.

Cray was manager’s player, players’ player and supporters’ player of the season.

Player of the season was defender Jack Ashton, while Albi Skendi won the young player accolade.

MARTIN Wilkinson has resigned as manager of Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 West club Carterton, saying his position had become untenable.

No-one at the club was available for comment.