"Alastair is someone who has done very well at Brackley Town Saints and has provided excellent cover for the first team. He is a very motivated individual who will be desperate to be the number one this season.

"James is a young player who has spent his whole career in senior football at Brackley Town Saints where it would have been very easy for him to have remained. He has taken the plunge to sign for us which show the lad's ambition and desire to achieve success for himself and ultimately our football club."

The players are looking forward to the challenge:

Alastair said “ I’m thankful to Mike Ford and the club for giving me the opportunity to play for Banbury United. Looking forward to the challenge ahead and to push the club forward”.

James said “I’m looking forward to joining a new team and competing at a higher level. Thanks to Mike for getting me over to Banbury, looking forward to the upcoming season and testing myself!”

We welcome Janes and Alastair to the club.

In addition Mike has confirmed that the following players from the squad that ended the 2018-19 season have also agreed to sign for 2019-20. Jack Harding, Charlie Hawtin, Lee Henderson, Ricky Johnson, Ryan Macdonald, George Nash, Eddie Odihambo, Giorgio Rasulo and Charlie Wise. Mike’s comments on these players are as below:

Jack Harding: Jack has had an up and down season due to returning to the club in pre season not fully fit then sustaining a wrist injury during the season, which held him back. Jack has been fantastic for this club, it’s not about what he has done but what he will be doing in the future for us.

Charlie Hawtin: Charlie has had his injury issues this season restricting his appearances and run in the team. It wasn't too long ago he was marauding down the touchline and I'm sure with the right conditioning over the summer it won't be too long until we see it again.

Lee Henderson: Lee is a fantastic player who suffered with injuries which included missing a few weeks through concussion as well as pelvic issues which we manged to eradicate after Christmas. A fully fit Lee Henderson will be a huge asset to this club

Ricky Johnson: Ricky is a captain who leads by example, giving his all every week. Again Rick suffered in pre season with Achilles problems and was a late starter into the season. He, I am sure, is determined as the rest of us to produce our best all next season week in and week out and if we can keep Rick fit and fresh i have no doubts this will happen.

Ryan McDonald: Ryan has a great attitude and worked very hard with the first team squad to develop and improve this year which he has done. Next season can be an exciting one for a very decent talent.

George Nash: George has been fabulous for this football club and despite having a season that didn't match his expectations in 2018-19 he is looking forward hugely to re-establishing himself to be the first name on the team sheet that he has been over the last three years. I am looking forward to working with George again next season and seeing him develop into an even better player.

Eddie Ohdiambo: Eddie fulfilled his duties last year with admirable professionalism. When called upon to play he showed all his experience and composure. In training he was full of bright ideas and this year he will take on extra responsibilities regards the coaching of the squad.

Giorgio Rasulo: Winning the Players’ Player of the Year Award at any club will tell you everything you need to know about Gio. He has fabulous ability but also a great attitude to go with it which made him a key player in the squad last season.

Charlie Wise: Charlie was appointed vice captain this year when more experienced players were overlooked. He gives his all at training and during games and as the season wore on his performances had maturity written all over them.

Looking at the squad in general Mike said “The football club has been very active since the completion of the season. Firstly to encourage our current players to re-sign for the upcoming campaign which has up to this point been very successful, including Amer Awadh signing on contract, and secondly recruiting away from the club has also been very busy with Jack Westbrook of course already having committed to us for next year. We are waiting on others to give their answers in the near future and as soon as we have positive news to bring we will let supporters know.”