CHARLIE Rowan has signed a new deal to take him into a second season with Oxford City.

The 24-year-old defender becomes the fourth player to agree terms for 2022/23 following a strong end to last term.

Rowan became an ever-present under head coach Ross Jenkins in the latter half of the campaign and is keen to continue that form.

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“I feel like I’m ready to kick on,” he said.

“I had quite a tough start to the season, but since Ross has taken over I’ve loved every second.

“He wants to play a really good style of football and he’s played me, which is always nice personally.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”

Rowan joined City from Vanarama National League South rivals Ebbsfleet United last July, following spells at Watford and Queens Park Rangers.

He scored two goals in the first three games of the season but was in and out of the side under David Oldfield.

The defender enjoyed more minutes after Ross Jenkins took charge in January, initially on an interim basis, to help City finish fifth in National League South.

Rowan said: “I played the last two or three months of the season and felt like game-by-game I was getting better, stronger, fitter and more confident.

“When you spend a lot of time on the bench waiting for your chance it can be quite tough, but you’ve just got to stay mentally ready.

“I feel like I’ve done that, but I just want to get off to a good start next season, stay consistent and everything will take care of itself.”

Rowan joins Reece Fleet, Josh Ashby and Zac McEachran in signing a new contract for next season.

Elliot Benyon, Zico Asare and Ewan Clark have left the club, the latter sealing a move to Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City yesterday.