Oxford City received a big boost yesterday when they signed former Oxford United skipper Dave Savage.

The 35-year-old midfielder joined City from fellow British Gas Business Southern League club Brackley Town.

"I'm delighted to have signed such an experienced player,' said City manager Justin Merritt.

"We've got a lot of youngsters in the side, so he's just the sort of player we need to lead on the field, although James Saulsbury stays as captain.

"What I like about Dave most is his positive attitude. He will be a great influence on the team."

The Dublin-born Savage, who played 85 games for Oxford United between 2003 and 2005, joins up with another former U's favourite Jamie Brooks, who moved to Court Place Farm last month from Abingdon United.

Savage was player of the year at the Kassam Stadium in his last season with them.

But then he became reunited with former Oxford boss Ian Atkins at Bristol Rovers, where he had two successful seasons.

After one year with Rushden & Damonds, he joined Brackley Town in 2007, where he had a coaching role under manager Phil Lines.

Merritt, who tried to sign Savage last summer, said: "I understand Dave was not happy at Brackley and approached to join us."

Savage trained with City on Thursday night, and completed the move yesterday after meeting City coach Mike Ford, another former Oxford United player.

The new signing will make his debut at home to Premier Division leaders Farnborough Town today.

However, he is cup-tied and so misses City's FA Cup third qualifying round tie at home to Chesham United on Saturday, October 11.