FOOTBALL: Jamie signs for ambitious Witney (From Witney Gazette)

FOOTBALL: Jamie signs for ambitious Witney

4:28pm Tuesday 17th July 2012 in Local Football

WITNEY Town boss Justin Merritt has hailed the signing of former Oxford United winger Jamie Brooks after he agreed to join the Premier Division outfit.
Brooks, 28, who was released by the U’s in 2006 and recently had spells at Oxford City and Abingdon United, was Merritt’s No 1 target.
He will link up with his brother, Ryan, who has made the switch from rivals Ardley United for whom he scored 44 goals in 42 games last season.
“Jamie’s been training with us all summer, so he was one of the first players we spoke to,” said Merritt.
“We’re delighted to have him here. He’s a great character and he has got a lot of ability.”
The duo are joined by ex-Bedford Town striker James Faulkner, former Abingdon Town frontman Mark Janes, Kelvin McIntosh (from Sutton United), Adam Morris, James Dobson, Ben Moses (all Oxford City Nomads), Christian Perkins (from Kidlington), Kameron Abassi, Joel Meade, Daniel Thomas and Jemaine Ferreira.
Witney have also snapped up another former Ardley man, Nick Thorne.
Merritt added: “He was one of the most exciting wingers in the league last season when he played against us for Ardley.
“We’re hoping to add a few more and then in the friendlies we will start establishing our style of play.
“It’s now a case of getting everyone geared up for the season.
“We’ve put in a strong management team and we’ll be looking to win some games.
“The aim is to open the club up to the community and we’re going to be involved in a grassroots project. Witney Vikings and Tower Hill are looking to come on board.
“It reminds me of when I went to City a year or two ago and look what happened.
“West Oxfordshire needs a football team to challenge the likes of North Leigh. A strong Witney side is good for the area.”
Meanwhile, Witney will host Reading Town when their Premier Division campaign kicks off on Tuesday, August 7.