FORMER Oxford United player David Oldfield has been named Oxford City’s new manager.

The 51-year-old, who was also coach and caretaker boss at the U’s, will take the reins at Court Place Farm.

Oldfield arrives with City 12th in Vanarama National League South and cannot wait to get started.

He said: “I’m very pleased to be joining Oxford City and look forward to working with the players and staff at the club.

“The club is looking to build on the strong foundations that are already in place, with continued progression on the pitch and further growth of the vital community links around the city.

“I know the passion of Oxford City supporters and very much hope to bring more success to achieve all of our collective ambitions”.

The ex-Manchester City and Leicester City man joined United in August 2002, becoming player-coach in February 2003 and Ian Atkins’s assistant that summer.

Oldfield was caretaker boss for two separate games over the next two seasons.

He has also held coaching positions at West Bromwich Albion, Milton Keynes Dons and Stevenage Borough, plus assistant manager roles at Peterborough, Burton Albion and Queens Park Rangers.

Andy Ballard, who has been interim boss since Mark Jones left the club by mutual consent in October, will be Oldfield’s assistant, with Ross Jenkins first-team coach and Alan Foster goalkeeping coach.

City’s sporting director Justin Merritt said: “We are delighted to welcome David to Oxford City, his appointment brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club combined with a desire to help the club to achieve its ambitions.

“David will further mentor Andy, Ross and the coaching staff and build upon our clear philosophy and playing style.

"I’m looking forward to working with David to develop player recruitment strategies and the football infrastructure.”

Ballard leads City for tomorrow’s visit of Chippenham Town and he has warned his players not to take their opponents lightly.

The hosts are three points and two places above Chippenham, who have won four of their last five games to pull away from the relegation zone.

Ballard said: “We’ve been susceptible to underestimating teams below us in the league, and maybe we have been guilty of complacency on occasions.

“But we need to go into games with the mental mindset that we are up against sides above us, as we’ve generally done well against the higher sides this season.”

Zac McEachran and Ben Jefford are doubtful with hamstring injuries, while Jaanai Gordon misses out with concussion sustained in last month’s 2-1 victory over Dorking Wanderers.

Oxford City (v Chippenham Tn, home): from King, Jones, Jefford, Wiltshire, Fleet, Ashby, McEachran, Berkoe, Lofthouse, Moore-Azille, Benyon, Owusu, George, Barrett, Wright.