Oxford City boss Mike Ford has been dealt a blow after their former Oxford United striker Lee Steele left Court Place Farm.

Ford revealed he had reluctantly agreed to release last year’s player of the season, who netted 24 times for the Premier Division side.

He said: “I was very keen to keep Lee for next season, but the travelling (he drove down for every game from his Liverpool home) and fitting him to the budget both proved difficult.

“He will be a big loss, but we will cope and move on.”

The boss has replaced Steele, who was City’s player of the season, with Billy Beechers,from Abingdon United.

Beechers joins fellow signings former QPR midfielder Ollie Burgess from Corby, Craig McIllwain, from Brackley Town, and Tommy Kinch from Woodford United.

Ford added: “Billy is a player who we had with us for a short spell a few years ago and really impressed with his energy and ability.

“He sees us as a challenge and wants to get his football career back on track.

“Craig has played in the Conference and Conference North and will bring a toughness and desire to win.”

Richard Knight, Liam Malone, Dave Savage, Delroy Gordon, Mark Janes, Andy Ballard, James Clarke, Elliot Sandy and Mark Bell have agreed to re-sign.