CANICE Carroll has handed Oxford City a major boost by signing a new deal.

The 23-year-old, from Kidlington, will remain at Court Place Farm next term after making 29 appearances in his first season.

Carroll returned to his home city last summer after playing for five clubs in the previous three years, having started his career at Oxford United.

READ MORE: Former Reading and Wycombe defender joins Oxford City

The former U’s trainee was a key figure as City reached the Vanarama National League South play-offs and he is loving life at Court Place Farm.

He said: “It was one of the best seasons, if not the best of my whole career.

“I’ve been to a lot of places, things have happened and I haven’t enjoyed my football as much, but last season I was at my happiest on and off the pitch.

“That says a lot about the club and being local is a massive thing for me.

“This season we’re going to have a lot of the boys step up and take charge because we’re going to have a couple of new lads coming in.

“I definitely feel more mature. It’s been a slow burner for me, it took me a couple of years to grow up properly in the sense of understanding the football world, but now I’m at peace with everything and I’m at my happiest.”

Carroll started the season in midfield but was later deployed in central defence, helping City finish fifth in National League South.

He previously made 25 appearances for United between 2015 and 2018, earning a move to Brentford.

Carroll did not feature for the west London side and was loaned to Swindon Town, Carlisle United and Stevenage, before a permanent transfer to Scottish League Two club Queen’s Park in November 2020.

He is the eighth City player to re-sign for 2022/23, while Andre Burley became their first new arrival yesterday.