MARK Jones says Ben Barrett deserves an opportunity in the first team after the youngster re-signed for Oxford City.

The midfielder – a graduate of the club’s academy – becomes the eighth player to stay on with the National League South side.

Barrett has already made a handful of appearances for City’s senior team, including in their Buildbase FA Trophy clash against Maidenhead United.

The youngster also impressed while on loan with South League side North Leigh last season and boss Jones is backing him to make an impact.

He told the club’s website: “Ben’s worked ever so hard, he’s improved year-on-year, and I think looking at some of his performances last season, particularly against Maidenhead, he’s shown that he’s more than capable.

“He had a good spell on loan at North Leigh and the feedback from there was very good.

“I just felt that Ben has been working hard and he deserves his opportunity to be part of the first team squad next season, and we wanted to show our faith to him by putting him on a contract.

“It shows to all young players at the club that if you’re working hard and playing well, we want to give them an opportunity.

“I see both him and Craig Fasanmade playing a big part for us this season.”

Meanwhile, North Leigh have bolstered their squad with three players re-signing and another two returning to the club.

Captain Ben Brown, Harry Grant and Jordy Ngathe have all agreed to stay with the Millers.

Winger Morgan Williams and midfielder Michael Alexis have also rejoined the club after spending time with Division 1 Central rivals Didcot Town.

Kidlington have announced their backroom team for the 2019/20 campaign.

Declan McGovern is the only new face to manager Julian McCalmon’s coaching set-up.

Joe Davies and Elliott Osborne-Ricketts continue in their role as assistant managers, with pre-season training beginning tonight.

Wantage Town have received a boost ahead of their return to the South League, with Chris Jackson re-signing.

The captain played every game last season as the club won promotion from the Uhlsport Hellenic League.