DAVID Oldfield wants to help Oxford City reach the next level ahead of his first league game in charge at Hampton & Richmond Borough.

The 51-year-old took the reins for the first time in Wednesday’s 4-2 Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-final win at Banbury United.

Oldfield knows the size of his task, but believes he has a squad to build on the foundations laid by ex-interim bosses Justin Merritt and Andy Ballard and their predecessors.

He said: “I will use the phrase collective group a lot during my time here, but it really is that.

“I’m looking to become one part of that collective group, and a lot of good work has already been done here, with lots of good players.

“We need to build on that, and if we can do that, we have half a chance.”

Last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to Chippenham Town left City 12th in Vanarama National League South, five points behind tomorrow’s opponents.

Oldfield was watching from the stands against Chippenham and he accepts the league is a tough proposition.

He said: “There are so many good sides in this league.

“Hampton will be another very difficult test.

“We need to ensure we get our legs and energy back from Wednesday and be ready for a tough game.”

The ex-Oxford United player added: “If I have a philosophy, it’s one of hard work and getting ourselves working together as a collective group.

“That was shown at Banbury in what was a really difficult game.

“Banbury had some really good players and it was down to our players that we came back to win, full credit must go to the boys.

“It was a collective effort, and any success moving forward will be just that.”

Oldfield praised City’s successes in recent seasons, but is looking to the future.

He said: “This club have done some good work, had some great runs in the FA Cup, and that’s something we need to emulate going forwards.

“But I don’t want to speak too much about what has happened before apart from acknowledge it, as we are all focusing on progress.

“We need to get ourselves working together and as fit and hard working as we can.”

Jaanai Gordon returned from concussion in midweek and is in the squad tomorrow.

Oxford City (v Hampton & Richmond, away): from King, Jones, Jefford, Wiltshire, Fleet, Ashby, McEachran, Berkoe, Lofthouse, Moore-Azille, Benyon, Owusu, George, Barrett, Wright, Gordon.