Tony Ford Returning To BP With Barnsley!

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 14/11/2001

FORMER Grimsby Town hero Tony Ford has joined Mariners first division rivals Barnsley as assistant manager which means his playing days are about over saying "I'm not particularly looking to play now. There wasn't a big playing squad at Rochdale but this is a bigger job with a lot more to do."

"The playing staff here is far bigger and I might register as a non-contract player or play in the Reserves.

"Perhaps I'm a little sad but I've known it's been around the corner for the last two or three years. I've always said it could happen and it might have been in two weeks or in two years." Reports the Grimsby Telegraph.

"I can join in training and maybe play in the Reserves."

On Barnsley he said: "I've no doubt about that. It will be a success to be out of the bottom three and the set-up itself is what you dream about compared to Rochdale, and that's no disrespect to them."

"There's definitely some ability here and maybe it's just a question of changing the way they play, but there's a lot of players. A very big number and they're in a position they possibly shouldn't be in."

"It takes a while to settle into a football club and to get to know the players. Especially when there are more than 30 of them!"

"The first objective is to win some games and we must begin to get away from the relegation zone."

With the Grimsby side traveling to Barnsley on New Year's Day, Ford says that January is too far ahead to think about.

"Of course it's something to look forward to but we need to look at every game and try and win. When the day does come it will be enjoyable."

There can be no doubt that Ford, who is highly respected by the Grimsby fans, will receive a hero's welcome at Blundell Park.

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