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Moss backs Atkins to take Oxford forward

28/10/2002

SOCCER: David Moss has fond memories of his five years as Oxford's assistant manager - despite growing up supporting their local rivals.

Macc entertain Oxford (October 29, ko 7.45pm) - a date Moss himself would have looked for on the fixture list, being a boyhood fan of neighbours Swindon.

"I grew up about ten miles from Oxford, but I was a Swindon fan as a youngster," said the Macclesfield manager.

"My dad used to take me to the County Ground, and I stuck with them."

So much so, that Moss started his playing career with Swindon before moving to Luton.

But he started his coaching career alongside Brian Horton at Oxford.

"I have great memories of my five years there," he said.

"Oxford were then in what is now the First Division, though we always seemed to be hanging on.

"We brought through players such as Joey Beauchamp, Chris Allen and Jim Magilton, who all went on to have good careers."

Moss believes that Ian Atkins is the manager to lead Oxford out of the Third Division.

Atkins took over from Mark Wright last November with Oxford deep in trouble.

Moss said: "I know Ian Atkins quite well, and when he went there he had to get some of the big earners off the wage bill quickly and keep the club up.

"He's stabilised the club now, and it looks as though they're starting to recover.

"I just hope that their recovery continues after next Tuesday night!"