Former Oxford United defender Mike Ford says cool heads are needed when the current crop of U’s players take on rivals Swindon Town at the County Ground tomorrow.

And Ford, 45, now boss of Southern League side Oxford City, took over as United’s caretaker manager in October 2000 after Denis Smith resigned and the derby game was Ford’s baptism as a manager. That was the last time Oxford and Swindon met in the league at the County Ground.

The previous Saturday, Ford, who was youth team coach was drafted in to the first team for the visit of Bristol City to the old Manor Ground.

“It was a very strange week. I played against Bristol City when I wasn’t supposed to, which was Denis’s last game.

“And then I managed the team at Swindon – again when I wasn’t supposed to,” said Ford, who played in a number of Oxford v Swindon derbies.

“Guy (Whittingham) came in on loan for a month from Portsmouth, played a game against Swindon and then went back because there was a change in management. I think Sam Ricketts (now Bolton) made his debut.

“We went a goal down, Guy got a goal back and they then scored the winner.

“I remember we had a really young team out and I was very proud with the way they played.

“I gave us the lead in one derby game, which we went on to lose 4-1.

“Our record at the County Ground isn’t great, but we beat them at our place a few times, so the results have gone the way of the home side.”

Ford, who played in a number of Welsh derbies for Cardiff against Swansea, said it was all about who kept their heads on the big day.

“I think the best advice I can give is not to get too carried away with the event.

“You have to be calm and play your own game.

“You are always aware it’s a massive game, but it’s how you deal with it.

“It’s having the intelligence to not let it get to you – you basically have to use your brain.

“The experienced players will do that and it’s up to the older players – the ones that have played in other derby games – to calm the younger ones down.

“But there won’t be any players in either team that has played in an Oxford v Swindon derby.

“It’s the one that all the supporters look forward to and if you’re are a professional footballer these are the sorts of games you want to play in.

“It’s all about being relaxed and not panicking.

“I’m sure that Chris (Wilder), Mickey (Lewis) and Andy (Melville) will be telling the players to treat it like any other game when you are away from home and are up against a decent side.”

Ford added: “I’ll be listening on the radio.

“I was at the Oxford v Cardiff game and to get over 5,000 for a first-round game was tremendous.

“The players gave their all in that game and I’m sure they will do that on Sunday.”