FOREST GREEN manager Dave Hockaday has made former QPR defender Josh Ford his eleventh signing since he took the helm at the New Lawn a month ago.

Central defender Ford, 19, signed forms for Rovers this afternoon after spending the week training with Hockaday’s squad and playing for the Reserves against Reading in the Football Combination on Monday.

Bristol-born Ford was on the books of Bristol City before he moved as a scholar to Championship club Queens Park Rangers in 2006, being offered his first ever professional contract last season. He left the R's, after having his contract terminated by mutual consent in January. He also enjoyed a spell on loan at Swansea City and has subsequently played for Blue Square Premier Rushden.

Ford said: “The gaffer believes I have what it takes and when I look at Ollie Thorne, who at the same age has adapted quite well to a second chance in the Blue Square Premier, then I have to grab this opportunity to stay in the professional game.”

Hockaday said: “There is an abundance of young talent in this country just seeking that chance to prove people wrong. I have already signed several who fit this category and I am prepared to give them that chance. In the case of Josh it is now down to him to grab the shirt and do the business.”

Ford is allocated Squad number 25 and will no doubt feature in the squad for the visit of high-flying AFC Wimbledon to the New Lawn tomorrow, with Lee Ayres likely to be missing off the bench due to further injuries problems.