Abingdon United manager Andy Slater has hailed the arrival of former Aston Villa midfielder Garry Parker as first-team coach of the British Gas Business Southern League side.

Oxford-born Parker, 42, who also had spells at Luton, Hull, Nottingham Forest and Leicester, has joined the Division 1 South & West outfit from Hellenic League Premier Division Kidlington where he ran the reserve and youth teams.

Parker, who had spells at Abingdon Town and Oxford City, officially takes over on June 24 when the players return for pre- season train- ing.

"I have known Garry for a long time," said Slater, who has brought in Darren Edwards as assistant manager following two successful years as the club's reserve and youth team manager.

"Garry has got fantastic talent and knowledge. He sings from the same hymnsheet as me and is a great believer in youth.

"He also likes football played the right way. Myself and Darren are really looking forward to working with him."

Slater, who has signed central defender Matt Davies from Andover, added: "He has played at the highest level and has also done a bit of coaching.

"Like Mickey Lewis when he was here, Garry will bring a professional approach.

"It's all about having someone they respect.

"Parks has got some great ideas. He's also a strong disciplinarian."

Abingdon have signed defender Matt Davies from Andover, where he was skipper.

Tom Franklin has signed on for another season.

Banbury United have suffered a triple blow following the departures of striker Andy Baird, utility player Wayne Blossom and defender Ady Fuller.

Baird, who was at Wycombe, has joined newly-promoted Oxford City, while Blossom has switched to Brackley and Fuller has joined Wellingborough as assistant manager.

"It's a big blow to lose them," said Banbury boss Kieran Sullivan.

"But we have to move on. I had a good chat with Wayne and he gave me his reasons for going.

"It was the same story with Andy. They were made offers they couldn't refuse.

"The Wellingborough job is a good opportunity for Ady."

Sullivan added that Nicky Gordon, Mark Essex, Tommy Kinch, Lewis Travers, Ben Milner, Craig Pearman and Joe Murrell had all agreed to stay at Banbury.

He said he was in talks with a number of other players.

Oxford City have signed Ben Weedon following his release by Oxford United.