Features

Gaffer’s Greatest Gaffer: Mike Ford – Denis Smith treated his players like men

Management was always likely to be Evesham United boss Mike Ford’s destiny with the influences he had throughout his childhood.

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
11 January 2026

Denis Smith in charge of West Bromwich Albion

By Andy Mitchell

Management was always likely to be Evesham United boss Mike Ford’s destiny, with the influences he had throughout his childhood.
Growing up around greats during dad Tony Ford’s playing and managerial career gave Mike the tools he needed to enjoy a stellar career, which featured 500 professional appearances and promotion glory with Oxford United and Cardiff City.
Since moving into coaching and management, Ford has revelled in the play-off era, winning five out of five finals as a player-coach, an assistant manager and three as the gaffer at Oxford City, Banbury United and Ev...

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