Former Oxford United striker Steve Basham has agreed to sign for Southern League side Oxford City.

Basham, 33, who scored 43 goals in 168 appearances for the U’s, played for Brackley Town last season, but has decided to make the switch to Mike Ford’s side.

After leaving United in 2007, ‘Bash’ joined Exeter City before having a spell at Hayes & Yeading and then signing for Brackley.

“I thought he had signed a two-year deal with Brackley last season, but when I found out it wasn’t the case, I rang him and he agreed to sign,” said Ford.

The City boss revealed that a number of clubs higher up the non-League pyramid had made enquiries about Basham, who could link up again with former Oxford United frontman Lee Steele.

“Steve works in Summertown where he is training to be an accountant and lives in Woodstock, so he ticks the box for us of someone who lives locally,” added Ford.

“He’s a great character and a good lad. We’ve got options up front, with Nick Stanley (from Leamington), Felipe Barcelos and Michael Lyon.

“This year we have some firepower and another good player in our dressing room.

“Steve is technically very good and has fantastic experience. He’s very calm in front of goal and is an excellent all-round player.

“We have lost Dave Savage and Craig McIllwain (both retired) from our wage bill and James Clarke is heading off to play in South Africa.”