MARK Jones said he can’t wait to get started as he takes charge of his first game as Oxford City caretaker manager tomorrow.

City entertain Eastbourne Borough in Vanarama National League South, following general manager Justin Merritt’s decision to step down from first team affairs this week.

“I’m more looking forward to it than nervous,” said Jones, who takes over the role after stepping up from a coaching position at the club.

“I know the players and the level, so it’s not new to me really.

“Obviously it’s slightly different when you’re picking the team, because there’s a bit of extra responsibility.

“I’m sure there will be a few nerves on the day, but I’m just looking forward to getting started.”

Jones has already made his presence felt as he starts to shape the City side is his own image.

Coach Enrique Guillen has stepped down to focus on the club’s futsal side, enabling Jones to recruit a new coaching team.

Joe Deeney comes in as assistant manager, after several years coaching in the Luton Town academy, while former Watford and Stevenage academy coach Steve Glenister has also joined.

“I felt it was important to freshen things up and get some new ideas in,” said Jones.

“We’re looking at it as a fresh start for the whole club.

“If it had just been a case of me taking over Justin’s role and everything carrying on as normal then nothing would really change.”

Change is afoot on the field, as well, as Jones looks to make additions to his squad.

Midfielder Martin Ofosu has been released in order to make room for new arrivals, following Frenchman Stephane Ngamvoulou’s debut from the bench last weekend.

And Jones hopes to complete the signing of a centre-back before tomorrow’s game.

He said: “We have two strong centre-backs in Lee Henderson and Robbie Cundy.

“Robbie has been excellent and I think he’s played almost every minute of every game since he came in.

“But he’s still only a young lad and I thought we needed a little bit of competition in that area of the pitch.”

Top-scorer Mike Fondop is City’s only absentee this weekend after picking up a knee injury.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Eastbourne Boro, home): from Belford, Grant, Poku, Ashby, Henderson, Cundy, Davies, Fleet, Ngathe, Winters, Giles, MacAuley, Roberts, Louis.