Banbury United manager Billy Jeffrey says he is looking to talented youngster Joe Coleman to step-up again following last season’s excellent displays which culminated in him winning the player of the year award.

Coleman, 19, who played in Banbury’s youth side, was a revelation at right wing back after he joined from Hellenic League Premier Division side Hook Norton – stepping up two divisions with apparent ease.

And now Coleman is looking forward to his second season when they travel to Cirencester Town in Saturday's opener.

“He did very well for us, “ said Jeffrey. “And we’re looking for him to improve even more after what was an excellent season.”

To add extra spice, Banbury could field two ex-Cirencester players in skipper Nathan Haisley and new signing Adam Howarth.

Haisley and centre back Howarth were in the same Cirencester Town side.

Howarth has joined from Newport (IOW) where he returned having spent last season playing professionally in Finland for AC Kajaani, The previous season he was at New York Red Bulls in America’s MLS while on a three year football scholarship.

Jeffrey said he had been delighted with pre-season which included a 2-0 win against his old club Rushden.

He added: “It’s been a good workout for us. We have had some good games, with some reasonable performances.”

The summer saw striker David Stone leave for Halesowen, while Jack Ashton joined Oxford City.

But Jeffrey is confident that Jason Taylor, new signings Rob Foster, from Nuneaton, and ex-Northampton youngster Scott Cross, can form a formidable trio.

What are Jeffrey’s hopes for the new season?

“Considering how few players we had this time last year, we had a good season and we want to improve on that.

“Delroy Gordon (from City) is a great signing. He was with me when I was boss at Stamford and we’re delighted to have him on board.

“I rate him as one of the best defenders in the league.”

Banbury have also signed another former Northampton player in the shape of midfielder Ross Oulton.

Ex-Cobblers defender Luke Cray, who had a successful loan spell at Spencer Stadium last season, has also joined after he was released by the Northampton in the summer.

Cray, Howarth, Cross, Foster, and forward John Mbamarah, who has joined from Essex League side Bowers & Pitsea could all make their Banbury debuts.