DECLAN Benjamin is looking to settle down at Ardley United after a disrupted season, writes Matthew Bruce.

The midfielder has already moved twice this campaign after unsuccessful spells at Banbury United and Didcot Town.

He looked set for a third when it was announced last week he had signed for North Leigh just a week after joining Ardley United.

But Benjamin has decided to remain with the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division side after all.

“I spoke to Ardley on Saturday and realised I had been enjoying it there and that this is where I want to play my football,” he said.

“After joining Ardley I had a couple of messages from players at North Leigh asking what was going on. I met John (Brough, manager) and he convinced me to sign for them.

“But I had a change of heart after I spoke to Ardley and realised what an opportunity it is.”

Benjamin brings a wealth of higher-league experience to United, having previously spent five years at Oxford City.

Less than a year ago, the 26-year-old was playing regularly in Vanarama National League South.

And he admits dropping down the leagues is something that will take time to get accustomed to.

“It’s not the same as what I’m used to at City,” Benjamin said. “But there are some good players at this level – especially at Ardley.

“We’ve got some young, hungry players here who are looking to push higher up the leagues.

“Right now we’re trying to break into the top four and we’re still in two cup competitions, so hopefully I can help with that.”

Benjamin’s transformation from five-year City stalwart to nomadic journeyman was certainly not planned, coming about as a result of a lack of playing opportunities.

The former Oxford United apprentice rejoined Banbury United last summer, where he had previously enjoyed a positive spell after his release from the U’s, but left after just one competitive match.

He said: “I wasn’t expecting to leave so early.

“I was on the bench for the first game of the season and didn’t get on and then Fordy (manager Mike Ford) texted me and told me I wouldn’t play much.

“He told Didcot I would be available and they took me straight away.

“I was enjoying it at Didcot, everything was going well, but after the Salisbury game a couple of weeks ago Andy Ballard (player-manager) said he wasn’t going to play me.

“It was a big shock – I was just trying to figure out what I’d done wrong, because I was given no reason.”

Benjamin hopes his latest move will prove more successful.

“All I want is to just play football and get back to enjoying it,” he said.

“Hopefully I can do that now with Ardley.”