The club is delighted to announce that Mike Ford & Anton Sambrook have joined the first team management team. Mike will be working alongside Ricky in a joint managerial capacity. Anton will be taking on the role of first team coach.

Mike Ford – Joint Manager

Hugely experienced ex professional footballer Mike has joined the Ives in November 2021 as a joint manager working alongside existing manager Ricky Marheineke. Having enjoyed sixteen years as a successful player with Cardiff City where he made almost 200 appearances over two stints and Oxford United where he clocked up almost 300 matches. Mike began his managerial career in a caretaker role at Oxford United in 2000 before going on to successfully manage Oxford City for five years including winning promotion to Conference South with the Hoops in 2011/12 season. After leaving Marsh Lane at the end of 2013/14 season he then took a break before returning to the hot seat at Banbury United where he also took the Puritans to promotion in his first season with the club. Leaving the club at the end of 2019/20 season he has again taken a break from the game before returning to it again with the Ives.

Anton Sambrook – First Team Coach

Anton has joined the Ives with Mike Ford in November 2021 to head up the coaching team. He has behind him the experience of playing over 100 games for Banbury United before taking the step up to become assistant manager of the very successful Puritans side of the late 2010’s where he was Mike’s number two. He also has on his CV periods managing Hook Norton and Cogenhoe United. 

We welcome both Mike and Anton to the club and wish you both success in your respective roles.

Photos from the Banbury United website.