Assistant Manager leaves the club.

Oxford City FC would like to thank Andy Ballard for his fantastic contribution over many years as he departs the club by mutual consent.

Andy started his long playing career with City in the under 13 side,before playing for clubs such as Didcot, Abingdon United and Slough as well as Eastbourne Borough. In 2009 he returned to City as a player, spending six seasons with the Hoops before leaving to become Manager at Didcot Town before returning to The MGroup Stadium in 2019 to play a big part as Assistant Manager in City’s promotions to the National League South and then National League.

However, a combination of the club’s progression to a full time training schedule and Andy’s own work commitments mean that both parties feel that a change is needed. Manager Ross Jenkins told us

“It’s been such a difficult decision because Andy is one of the club’s greatest servants, an excellent coach, as well as being a friend to everyone here. It’s typical of the man that his priority was very much for the club to keep going forward. We train four days a week now and that makes it tough to fit other work commitments around training. Andy knows he is always welcome here. He has played a huge part in the history of the club and he leaves with our very best wishes.”

Andy told us

“I’ve loved my time at City and wish the club nothing but the best. We have talked a lot, we have explored every option, but in the end we simply couldn’t find a way to make it work. I am someone who demands total commitment from those around me and you can’t do that unless you are there for every session, day in day out. It is sad to be leaving but I do so on the best of terms and wish the club every success in the future.”