JOSH Ashby has become the latest Oxford City player to commit to the club for next season.

Fellow influential midfielders Reece Fleet and Zac McEachran have already agreed to remain at Court Place Farm for another campaign, with Ashby’s signature completing the retention of the long-serving trio.

The Hoops were ravaged by injuries to key players during the 2023/24 season, and finished bottom of the Vanarama National League in their first campaign playing at such a high level.

Ashby was one of those hit by injury, as he racked up 27 league appearances last season, netting two goals.

READ ALSO: Oxford City skipper commits to tenth campaign with Hoops

City have been placed in National League North next season, as opposed to National League South.

After putting pen to paper on a new contract, Ashby said: “Last year was tough at times, but it’s a new challenge this year and one I’m really looking forward to.

“We’ve got a new management team as well, so I’m really excited to get going.

“Fleety and Zac have committed, and we’ve got a good relationship on and off the pitch. We’ve got a good core of local boys, and it’s nice they’ve committed as well.

“If we keep the majority of the players we had last season, and those that have got that experience of going up from the South, then we can give it a right good go.

“We’ll do that, and we’ll try our best. We’ll work hard every day and look to improve.

“If we can keep the core and add a few around it, there’s no reason why we can’t be up there again.”

He added: “For four, five, six seasons now, there’s been a group of six or seven of us who when times get tough, we sit and chat about it after the games or when we’re in or around the place. Having people you can chat to will only help.

“Having a relationship on the pitch where we know each other’s strengths and how each other plays can only help, and having that bond off the pitch makes it an enjoyable place to come.

“We spend time with each other outside of the pitch, and I always think that if you’re enjoying the people you’re with, then you’ll flourish in your football too.”

Ross Jenkins left the Hoops at the end of the season, to take over as head coach at fellow relegated outfit Boreham Wood, with City since appointing Sam Cox as their new boss.

Cox guided Wealdstone to safety during an interim spell in charge of the National League side last season, while he has also coached in the Tottenham Hotspur academy and as assistant manager of the Guyana national team.