FOOTBALL: News boys City snap up defender Stonehouse (From Oxford Mail)

FOOTBALL: News boys City snap up defender Stonehouse

10:00am Friday 20th July 2012 in Non League By Nick Farrant, Sports reporter specialising in Non League Football. Call me on 01865 425488

Oxford City boss Mike Ford has hailed the key capture of left back Paul Stonehouse from Bath City.

The pacy defender, 24, who can also play in midfield, started his career at Forest Green Rovers where he played 170 times, becoming the youngest player to reach 100 competitive appearances in the Conference.

He becomes boss Mike Ford’s sixth capture, having already signed Jamie Cook, Steve Basham, Chris Willmott, Dan Platt and Nick Stanley for the Blue Square Bet North side.

“He’s a great addition to the squad,” said Ford.

“He’s the right age and is living in Swindon, but is about to relocate to Oxford for workwhich is ideal.

“He’s got a lot of experience playing in the Conference and is a good solid character.

“He will add a bit of quality to my group (of players) and is the sort of player that will turn up for training on time and won’t let you down.”

After leaving Forest Green, where he was skipper, he joined Mansfield Town before last season playing in the same Bath side as Cook.

The pair are set to play in tomorrow’s friendly at Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division side Banbury United, who could field their new signing from Daventry Town, defender Jason Lee.

Meanwhile, Ford revealed he spoke to former Oxford United midfielder Paul Wanless, who played alongside Stonehouse at Forest Green, before snapping him up.

“When I spoke to Wanny (Paul Wanless), he couldn’t speak highly enough of him.

“We are very pleased to add him to the squad.”

Ford said he would be watching his side’s first two opponents in friendlies.

He will be at Chester’s home game against a Liverpool XI next Wednesday and will also have Gloucester City watched away to Cinderford Town on Thursday.