BANBURY United last night appointed their former defender Ady Fuller as their new manager.

It follows the resignation earlier this week, due to health reasons, of Billy Jeffrey.

Fuller, who was boss at Southern League Midland Division side Daventry Town, will be assisted by former Banbury midfielder Paul Lamb.

He resigned from Daventry in the summer after ex-Charlton Athletic player Mark Kinsella was brought in as manager.

Banbury chairman Paul Jones said: “We were impressed by their enthusiasm. Although they are fairly new to management their CV is a good one.

“They did well at Daventry and took them to the play-off final last year.”

Banbury start their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division campaign with a home game against Hitchin Town on Saturday, August 13.

Their first derby clash with rivals Oxford City takes place on Monday, August 29 when the Puritans visit Court Place Farm.

City kick off their league matches at home to Redditch United.

Didcot Town, relegated from the top flight last season, start life in Division 1 South & West away at Cinderford Town.

Abingdon United begin their season with a trip to Taunton Town, while North Leigh open up with a home fixtuure against Mangotsfield United.

SOUTHERN LEAGUE DERBY DATES.

August 29: Oxford City v Banbury Utd; North Leigh v Abingdon Utd; Sept 13: Didcot Tn v North Leigh; December 26: Brackley Tn v Banbury Utd; Didcot Tn v Abingdon Utd; Jan 2: Banbury Utd v Oxford City; North Leigh v Abingdon Utd; Feb 11: North Leigh v Didcot Tn; April 9: Banbury Utd v Brackley Tn.