Depth of squad will be key to any success says United boss

The Puritans boss saw his side move up to fourth in the Evo-Stik Southern League table ahead of Saturday’s trip to troubled Wimborne Town where Ford will be looking for three more points on the road.

But with the Dorset club announcing this week that they are £100,000 in debt there are concerns over their ability to finish the their Division One South & West campaign.

It means manager Simon Browne’s £1,000 per week playing budget is set to be completely axed within a fortnight.

As for United, they picked up three more facile points at basement boys Bashley last weekend but saw Tuesday’s trip to second-placed Taunton Town postponed for a second time.

Ford was intending to rotate his squad for the run of three away games in little more than a week if Tuesday’s game had gone ahead. And that was because he feels he has a squad which is as strong on the bench as it is on the pitch, no matter what the starting line-up is.

Ford said: “I’ve got players who are disappointed not to be in the starting line-up recently, like Charlie Wise and Duran Martin. But those players who are on the bench are making my team selections difficult and that is what you want.

“If players aren’t in the team they have to show me they are ready to come in and my players are doing that.”

Ford also praised young players Jacob Blackstock and Lester Davies who are on the fringes of the squad.

He added: “They are two more young players which could do well for this club in the future.

“Playing recruitment is the most difficult thing at any level, especially at this level . The manager is also head of recruitment and I have to make sure the team gels.

“It’s too easy to suggest that in two years time these players will be much better.”

Following Saturday’s game United travel to Oxford City for Tuesday’s rearranged Oxon Senior Cup quarter-final tie.