MARK Jones wants to give free agents the chance to shine as he prepares to take charge of Banbury United for the first time.

Former Oxford City boss Jones was appointed Puritans manager on a one-year contract last month, replacing Andy Whing, who resigned on May 22 after leading the club to a historic promotion and then highest ever league finish last season.

The Puritans make the short trip to Easington Sports this evening in the Ron Thomas Memorial Cup, and high on Jones’ hopes is seeing the club’s new signings begin to gel.

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He told this newspaper: “It’s been a lot of work but I’ve been pleased with what we already had in, and now it’s about getting these pre-season games going.

“I want to give the unattached lads we’ve got training with us the opportunity in these early games, otherwise there’s no point in having them. Then we’ll review it after the first few games.

“It’s a chance for the new players to get to know each other, it’s a new group and we’ll be looking for people to start forming relationships.

“It’s a case of making sure we try and gel. These pre-season games are ideal for that.

“We’ll probably play two different teams in each half and it’s the first chance to for the supporters to see the new faces.”

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About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.