JUSTIN Merritt is the new Witney Town manager.

After leading Oxford City Nomads to the the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division championship last season, Merritt will now set his sights on bringing success to Witney, who endured a miserable campaign last season which saw them narrowly avoid relegation from that division.

He will be assisted, as at Nomads, by Justin Lee, as well as former Slough manager Eddie Denton.

Merritt has previously won promotion with Oxford City into the Southern League and was a coach when the same side completed the Spartan South Midland League and Cup double under manager Andy Lyne.

Lee is a former Arsenal player, who was capped at both England youth and under 21 international level, he also played for Oxford City, Thame and Banbury.

Denton, a former Witney player, had a playing career that started professionally at Oxford United.

He most recently enjoyed a ten-year association with Slough Town – the highlight a famous 2-1 FA Cup first round victory over League One side Walsall when he was manager.

He took the side to an FA Trophy quarter final and also won the Ryman League Cup, Slough’s first silver ware in almost 20 years.

Witney’s backroom staff is completed with UEFA B licence coach Paul Davis, who was also at Nomads last season.

Lyne also returns to the club to oversee matters as director of football.