DAVID Hockaday has strengthened his backroom staff by securing the services of Jason Ford as clinical manager.

Stroud-based Ford, who was responsible for enticing chairman Dale Vince to the Forest Green after a chance conversation on the treatment table, will provide his medical expertise to the squad every Thursday.

Ford said: "My affiliation with FGR goes back many years when I first worked within the physio room at the old Lawn under former physio Steve Lock.

"I then continued to treat the team from my practice in Stroud, but now as the clinical manager, it's a natural progression to involve myself into the team where I can provide my hands on approach alongside my colleagues Tim Grigg (club therapist) and Kevin Phillips (exercise coach) at the ground.

David Hockaday added: "The squad have been visiting Jason for their ongoing treatment needs for a long time, but to actually have Jason at the ground is a fantastic bonus for us at the club."

Ford will also treat the team at his own Stroud Sports Clinic practice within the Fifth Dimension Health and Fitness Club and the Stratford Park Leisure Centre, where he has established a multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals.