DIDCOT Town have bolstered their defensive options with the signing of former captain Luke Carnell from Banbury United.

The centre back, who left the Railwaymen for their Oxfordshire counterparts in October 2016, boosts Andy Ballard’s side ahead of their Evo-Stik South League East Division campaign.

Carnell follows in the footsteps of Felipe Barcelos, who only signed for Banbury from Didcot at the start of the summer, in leaving the Puritans due to increased travelling after the club were switched into the new Premier Central section last month.

Manager Andy Ballard said: “Luke was a big loss to the club when he left for Banbury, but we’ve kept in regular touch since then.

“When I saw that Banbury had been moved divisions I knew there might be a chance we could tempt him back to the club.

“Luke is an exceptional defender and a natural leader, so to secure his services for next season is a huge coup for the club.

“He’s a local lad who knows the club very well and he will fit straight into the way we want to play next season.”

Meanwhile, Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 East side Bicester Town have appointed Darren Thomas as their new manager.