FORMER Oxford United winger Tom Winters heads a string of seven new signings announced by Oxford City manager Mike Ford.

Winters, 27, who joins from Brackley Town, has been a long-time target of Ford, whose side enjoyed a very promising debut campaign in Conference North.

City have also retained all but one of last season’s squad as they look to progress further.

“Tom was at Brackley for seven or eight years and each summer I have said to him ‘when are you going to join us’,” said Ford.

“He has decided now is the right time to move.

“He has been very successful for Brackley and hopefully he will be successful for us.”

Right back James Clifton joins Winters in making the move from Brackley, while City have also confirmed the signings of Salisbury goalkeeper Mark Scott and Worcester City striker Mike Symons.

Defender Lee Henderson has moved from Didcot Town, forward Kieran Sanders comes in from North Leigh and striker Will Green arrives from Bed-ford.

Nick Stanley, who has joined Hungerford, is the only member of last season’s squad not to re-sign, but Felipe Barcelos might be spending some time in his native Brazil.

“My players were brilliant last year and I wanted them all to stay,” said Ford. “Signing new players is important, but no more important than keeping the ones I had.

“They did great for me last year and we are looking to do even better this season.” Ford added: “James Clifton has been a regular for Brackley, but he felt he needed to freshen up his mind with a move.

“Lee Henderson has had a few injuries, but I think he has got a great opportunity to establish himself as a Conference North player.

“Kieran Sanders is a great talent and I think he will excel here.”

Meanwhile, City have announced a new sponsorship deal with Swedish company Ateco. The fire safety firm will have its logo on City’s kit.