Robert John Ford, born in Bristol, is one of those rare players who has played for United in two separate spells. First time around he came through the ranks to become one of the club`s most gifted midfielders of modern times. He was transfered to Sheffield United for £400,000 in 1997, when the club was desperate for cash, and inevitably scored against Oxford when the clubs next met. Almost five years later he returned to Oxford on a free transfer following a successful trial, but his second spell was an unhappy one, as manager Ian Atkins` tactics didn`t suit Ford`s style of play. He lasted just one season before quitting the professional game, signing for Bath, and taking up plumbing.