DECLAN Benjamin has signed for Kidlington’s upcoming campaign in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West.

The experienced midfielder finished last season at Ardley United, but has had spells at Oxford City, Banbury United and Didcot Town.

Boss Julian McCalmon has also signed centre back Ben Brown, who was with Premier Division side Cirencester Town last season.

The pair were among a group of almost 40 players who gathered for the first session of pre-season on Tuesday.

Along with the new faces, the nucleus of last season’s squad have agreed to return.

Skipper Tom Franklin, top-scorer Anaclet Odhiambo, Tommy Castle, Jack Quainton, Sam Warrell, Callum Harvey and Elliott Osborne-Rickets have all signed.

A Football Association hearing this week dismissed Kidlington’s appeal over fielding an ineligible player last November.

Franklin played in the 2-0 win at Bedford Town when he should have sat the game out through suspension.

The outcome is a three-point deduction will be applied to Kidlington’s tally for last season.

Once the Division 1 Central table has been amended, it means McCalmon’s side drop one place to 12th.