SKIPPER Luke Carnell and last season’s top-scorer Mark Janes are among 17 players to have committed themselves to Didcot Town for the new Evo-Stik Southern League campaign.

Player-manager Andy Ballard has managed to retain the majority last season’s squad including ward winners Leigh Bedwell and Adam Learoyd.

The Railwaymen step up preparations for the Division 1 South & West campaign twith their opening friendly at home to Slough Town tomorrow (1pm).

Players to have committed themselves to Didcot

Andy Ballard, Leigh Bedwell, Harry Beer, Luke Carnell, Kieran Collins, Mark Janes, James Keeble, Adam Learoyd, Ian Lovegrove, Marvin Martin, James Organ, Jack Powell, George Reid, James Tanner, Ross Tanner, Tom Tatford, Alex Woodhouse.

Meanwhile, Ardley United boss Paul Davis has promoted Scott Reynolds to assistant manager

Reynolds, formerly manager of Winslow United, joined the Hellenic League Premier Division club as coach in February, but has now been appointed Davis’s No 2.

Jake Butler, last year’s second-choice keeper, is the new goalkeeping coach at Ardley who visit Old Woodstock Town in a friendly tomorrow.

Neighbours Bicester Town start their pre-season friendlies away to Thame United next Tuesday.