HE is more familiar to Oxford City fans as a creative spark in midfield, generating goalscoring opportunities for himself and the team.

But now Darren Pond has kicked off in a new game – as a self-employed electrician.

Mr Pond, 26, has started his own business, Current Electrical Installations, based in Banbury, and is steadily generating clients for domestic work.

Having worked as an electrician for Weatherhead Electrical Services for more than seven years, starting as an apprentice, he has decided to go it alone.

He said: “I wanted a new challenge – I was comfortable in my job but now I have the opportunity to be my own boss and manage my own time.”

At the moment Mr Pond works for himself two days a week and for Weatherhead for the remainder.

He added: “They have been fantastic and are supporting me until I can get into a position where I can work on my own five days a week.”

Mr Pond also credits wife Emma as helping him drive the business.

“We have just got married and she has been brilliant. She has done a lot of the marketing and we have set up a Facebook page and Twitter account.”

Ultimately Mr Pond is looking to build the business up and employ his own staff.

Meanwhile, his playing career at the Skrill North League side is going from strength to strength after seven years at the club. Last season he was voted Players’ Player of the Season and also named Manager’s Player of the Season.

He said: “I realised pretty quickly that I was never going to play for Manchester United, but it has been a useful second income and allowed me to buy a house,and football is an escape for me.

“There are other lads in the dressing room who are electricians and everyone is very supportive. It’s a real family club.”