FORMER Rovers boss Ray Harford is back in football after being appointed the new technical director at Oxford United.

The Second Division club have installed Harford until the end of the season and he will work in conjunction with new first team coach Mickey Lewis who was also appointed this week.

United haven't lost since Lewis took over as caretaker six games ago following the resignation of Malcolm Shotton.

And he will remain in charge of team affairs while Harford lends a hand with coaching and the negotiating of contracts.

Former Wimbledon and Luton chief Harford is excited by his new role and believes the club are now ready to go places.

"I met the chairman and he was a really ambitious guy," said Harford.

"He told me his plans and he wants to have a real go.

"It's an exciting project.

"He seems a genuine man and he has offered me the position until virtually the end of the season.

"So I will help Mickey in any way I can, either on the coaching side or if he feels he needs any advice on anything.

"I've been watching a lot of games but I've missed people wanting my advice.

"I've missed the day-to-day involvement. "So this is a commitment for me and I won't be messing about."

ENGLAND and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler could line up against Rovers reserves next week as he steps up his comeback from injury.

Fowler has pencilled in next Wednesday's reserve game against Rovers at St Helens Rugby Club as the next target in his rehabilitation programme.

And, if all goes well, he hopes to be back in Gerald Houllier's first team squad in time for next Sunday's TV game with Sheffield Wednesday.

ROVERS Nationwide First Division rivals Huddersfield are in talks with Ajax about establishing a formal link with the Dutch giants.

Manager Steve Bruce, chairman Ian Ayre, club owner Barry Rubery and football director Trevor Cherry flew to Amsterdam yesterday for discussions.

The Terriers already have a Dutch trio in Dean Gorri, Ken Monkou and Clyde Wijnhard at the McAlpine and are keen to develop links further.

WEST Bromwich Albion have announced ticket details for their FA Cup third round clash with Rovers on Saturday December 11. Away fans have been allocated seats in the West Midlands Travel Stand, situated behind the goal, and tickets are priced £14 for adults and £8 for juniors and senior citizens.

Tickets may be purchased in person at the ticket office or by postal application (including a letter, payment and SAE).

Or you can phone the ticket hotline on 08080 10 10 10.

Please note that tickets can also be purchased on the day of the game, priced £15 for adults and £8.50 for juniors and senior citizens.

THE latest Double Your Money winner is J Stokes from Church who wins £500 with number 194.

The winner of the Rovers Return against Fulham on Saturday was D Counsell from Great Harwood who won a first prize of £800 with number 027765.

The owner of ticket number 025976 won the second prize of a Swatch watch but, as yet, that has not been claimed.

A third prize consisting of an autographed ball was won by M Keniford of Accrington with number 026463.

Fans are reminded that Rovers are at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.

The game should have been played on October 9 but was postponed duef to international commitments.

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