Oxford City player-manager Justin Merritt has snapped up his third Banbury United player inside a week after George Redknap agreed to leave the Puritans for Court Place Farm.

He joins Jon Gardner and Darren Pond at City as the fall-out from Banbury continues following the departure of manager Kevin Brock.

Merritt declared himself delighted to acquire the services of Redknap, who leaves Banbury after 380 appearances and 78 goals, spanning seven years.

"I have known George for a long time," said Merritt.

"I played in the same team at Witney Town as him.

"He's a reliable player and a good lad. He has a lot of experience of playing at this level and at the level above.

"We are delighted to get him. He can play in a variety of positions. He is equally at home up front or in midfield."

Redknap, 30, Banbury's players' player of the season, was delighted to link up again with Merritt, but sad that his days at Spencer Stadium are over.

"I really enjoyed my time there, but I felt I needed a fresh challenge. There has been a lot of uncertainty."

Merritt feels that the additions to his squad will boost his side's promotion bid.

"To get those three (Redknap, Gardner and Pond) is a massive improvement," he said.

"Gardner has a lot of quality. He has pace and can finish. He was Banbury's top-scorer with 21 goals and that was from out wide.

"Fortunately, I play in the same position as Darren, so I can pass on my experience to him, and with Mike Ford's coaching, we feel he can progress to another level."

Merritt, who has so far signed Andrew Gunn (Oxford United), James Saulsbury (Brackley Town) and Ardley pair Chris Hill and Adam Richmond, said another player, whom he wouldn't name, had asked about a move to City.

"Everyone will have a fair crack of the whip, the new signings, the ones that are here and the young lads that did well at the end of last season," he said.

Meanwhile, Banbury have made Andy Baird skipper. He replaces Kieran Sullivan, who is the club's new manager.

One player leaving Oxford City, however, is midfielder Mickey Glynn, who is joining former boss Andy Lyne at Witney United. Milton United hot-shot Vinnie Rusher has agreed to stay at the Sport Italia Hellenic League Premier Division side.