MIKE Ford is eagerly anticipating his first competitive match as manager of Banbury United tomorrow afternoon as they host Swindon Supermarine in their Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West opener.

Former Oxford City boss Ford has overseen a complete remodelling of the Puritans’ squad, bringing in no fewer than 16 new faces.

However, he feels that change was necessary to reverse the club’s ailing fortunes following relegation from the Premier Division last season.

“The club has been unsuccessful for a long time now,” he said.

“The last time they really challenged for anything was ten years ago and obviously they’ve just been relegated.

“You would expect there to be changes after that and I can’t imagine it came as a surprise to anyone.

“If you continue to do the same things, you’re going to get the same results.

“You will keep losing games, so something clearly had to change.

“Everything has got to be different this season.”

With goalkeeper Jack Harding unavailable for tomorrow’s match, Ford could be forced to dip into the transfer market again.

Defender Bradley Partner, who spent last season playing in the USA at Avila University, Missouri, is yet to receive international clearance, while Darius Browne is also likely to miss out with a respiratory problem.

IN: Andy Gunn, Brian Bowles, Zak Eadle (all North Leigh), Reece Bayliss (Wantage Town), Mark Bell (Chesham Utd), Jon Steedman (Abingdon Utd), Zac McEachran, Louis Joyce (both Oxford City Nomads), Ricky Johnson, Callum Convey, Jack Harding (all Ardley Utd), Duran Martin (Old Woodstock Town), Bradley Cox (Dorchester), Joe Coleman (Hook Norton), Jack McLaughlin (Crowmarsh Gifford), Bradley Partner (Avila University, USA).

OUT: Jordan Green (Bournemouth), Marvin Martin, Leigh Bedwell (both Didcot Town), Jack Westbrook (Redditch Utd), Tom Ryan (Rugby Town), Luke Cray.

NORTH Leigh boss Mark Gee’s summer recruitment will not be completed ahead of their Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West opener at home to Tiverton Town tomorrow afternoon.

The Millers have made just one addition to their squad, goalkeeper James Foster joining from Didcot Town.

But Gee is happy with the group he’s assembled.

He said: “We’ve retained all of our big players, such as Kieran Sanders, Elliott Osborne-Ricketts, Jamie Cook and Callum McNish.

“All our goalscorers have stayed with us and we’ve strengthened defensively with a new goalkeeper.

“We’re still looking for a few players to strengthen the side, but we haven’t found the right individuals yet.”

North Leigh will be without Jon Else for a minimum of eight weeks with three broken metatarsals, while defensive partner Zak Westlake is unavailable for the first four matches of the season.

IN: James Foster (Didcot Tn).

OUT: Andy Gunn, Brian Bowles & Zak Eadle (Banbury Utd), Andy Caton (Northwood), Matt Bulman (Swindon S'marine).

NEW signings Conor McDonagh and Mark Janes are likely to lead the line as Didcot Town kick off their Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West campaign away to last season’s beaten play-off finalists Larkhall Athletic tomorrow.

The Railwaymen lost top scorer John Mills and strike partner Pablo Haysham to Hereford during the summer, but Concannon is confident that McDonagh and Janes will fill the void.

“It was obviously difficult losing Mills and Pablo, but things are always changing in football,” he said.

“We’ve brought in Conor and we’re very confident that once he gets used to being back in the Southern League, the goals will follow.

“Mark Janes has also come in up front and already there’s a good partnership and a bit of an understanding.”

Andy Ballard is unavailable, but Didcot are otherwise at full strength.

IN: Marvin Martin & Leigh Bedwell (both Banbury Utd), Conor McDonagh (Ossett Tn), Mark Janes (Wantage Tn).

OUT: John Mills & Pablo Haysham (both Hereford), Ryan Brooks (Kidlington), Josh Baines (Thatcham Tn), James Foster (Didcot Tn).

WANTAGE Town welcome Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West newcomers Slimbridge tomorrow afternoon following a significant re-shaping by manager Daniel Barry.

The Alfredians have seen 11 players leave and nine come in.

Abingdon United quartet Tom Butler, Sam Collier, Stephen Davis and Carl Davis have all stepped up from the Hellenic League, along with Adam Bruce and Josh Cottrell from Milton United, while former Notts County scholar Ben Whitaker has also signed following a four-year break from football.

IN: Tom Butler, Sam Collier, Stephen Davis & Carl Davis (all Abingdon Utd), Adam Bruce (Milton Utd), Josh Cottrell (Milton Utd), Aaron Ferris (Swindon Supermarine), Piers McGlynn (Black Swan), Ben Whitaker (unattached).

OUT: Brad Shaw (Hungerford Tn), Mark Janes (Didcot Tn), Reece Bayliss (Banbury Utd), George Reid (Abingdon Utd), Adam Lovegrove (Oxford City Nomads), Joe Parish (Didcot Tn Res), Rock Whiting (Headington Amateurs), Daniel Warne (retired), Michael Bird (retired), Adam Doyle, Jonny Haist.