DANNY Nicholls has been handed joint managerial duties at Oxford City ahead of their forthcoming Vanarama National League South campaign.

Nicholls, who coached with Ron Atkinson at Kettering Town as well as managing Aylesbury United and Bedford Town, was appointed as assistant to general manager Justin Merritt in 2014, but will play a more prominent role this season.

The change allows Merritt, who retains his managerial duties, to concentrate on expanding the club off the field.

He said: “Running a business, a family and a football club is not easy and it’s a lot of work.

“Danny is going to take much of the responsibility of dealing with the players, looking after their needs and targeting signings.

“Also, I want to concentrate on growing the business side of the club as well.

“With the situation off the field at the club in the last year, it’s clear that we need to make strides to get bigger business foundations if we’re going to be able to compete at this level.”

More than 30 triallists will join City as they return for pre-season training this week, as Merritt and Nicholls look to build a squad for the coming season.

Goalkeeper Laurie Walker and defenders Lee Henderson and David King still have a year left on their contracts, while the club have also retained the services of midfielders Darren Pond and Reece Fleet as well as striker Conor McDonagh.

But last season’s top-scorer, Bradley Bubb, has departed for National League South rivals Ebbsfleet United.

“Bradley got on well here last season and he scored a lot of goals for us,” said Merritt.

“Ebbsfleet are obviously ambitious and well resourced, so I think it’s a good move for him and we wish him all the best.”

Also leaving is full-back Paul Stonehouse, who has joined Slough Town, but there has been no shortage of players coming into the club.

Striker Liam Enver-Marum and midfielders Shaun McAuley and Louis Soares have all joined from Basingstoke Town, looking to put the pain of relegation last season behind them.

Merritt said: “Basingstoke had a poor season last season, but these are good players and have all been involved in play-off campaigns previously.

“They not only bring quality to the side, but also experience, which is what I think we lacked at times last year to be able to get us over the line in games.”

City are also expected to complete the signing of in-demand midfielder Godfrey Poku, from Woking.

Poku netted a hat-trick against City at Marsh Lane while on loan at Havant & Waterlooville last season and has attracted interest from other National League South clubs.