BANBURY United have completed a double signing ahead of the new season beginning at the weekend.
The Puritans have snapped up striker Tyrell Hamilton, while former defender Lee Henderson has rejoined the club.
Hamilton, 23, impressed in pre-season trials after leaving Alvechurch.
The forward was released by home team Birmingham City in 2018 and went on to sign for AFC Bournemouth’s Under-21s side on a free transfer.
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During his time on the south coast, he trained with the first team under then-boss Eddie Howe, and also enjoyed loan spells with Salisbury, Gosport Borough and Alvechurch.
He was released by the Cherries in 2020 and went on to join AFC Telford United. Hamilton then returned to Alvechurch on loan in October 2021, making the move permanent last January.
He excelled with the Worcestershire side, scoring 21 goals in 78 games.
Hamilton played his part as Alvechurch made it to the second round of the Emirates FA Cup, beating Sky Bet League One outfit Cheltenham Town along the way.
The striker featured five times as a trialist for the Puritans this summer, scoring once against Easington Sports.
Hamilton told the Banbury club website: “I’m very excited to join Banbury United as I think it’s the right step for me to showcase my ability and to keep climbing up the football pyramid.
“I can’t wait to show the club what I can do and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Henderson made 63 appearances for the Puritans during a two-year stint between 2018 and 2020, after joining from Oxford City.
He helped Banbury come within a point of the play-offs in Southern League Premier Central during the 2019/20 season, before the campaign was curtailed due to Covid-19.
“I want everyone to be a tight-knit group and if we need to make additions, we will.”@OxCityFC head coach Ross Jenkins says he is happy with his squad size as the club prepares for a landmark first game in the National League this weekendhttps://t.co/nP7QwkZBGV
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) August 3, 2023
The Puritans begin their National League North campaign at home to Spennymoor Town.
Andy Whing resigned as manager on May 22, with Mark Jones taking the hot seat a fortnight later.
Jones has overhauled his squad with the additions of Hamilton and Henderson taking it to 15 player signing for the club.
Centre halves Jack Davies, Tai Fleming and Finn Tapp join left back Yonis Farah in defence, while midfielders Lawson D’Ath, Josh Barlow, Tom Scott and Jack Tompkins have all signed. Tope Obadeyi and Ken Charles have arrived up front.
Goalkeeper Jack Harding rejoined for an eighth consecutive season while midfielder Simeon Maye and winger Craig Hewitt also re-signed.
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