We continue our summer study of the clubs joining us in National League North for 2024/25 and today we are making the long trip to Oxfordshire.
How did they get here?
Oxford City’s relegation from the National League was confirmed in late-March when their 2-1 defeat at AFC Fylde spelled the end of their fight to stay in the division.
The Hoops were playing their first-ever season in the fifth tier following their glorious promotion through the National League South play-offs in 2022/23.
However, defeat in each of their first three games set the tone and, while they went seven unbeaten after that, they struggled to find the same consistency as they had enjoyed during their promotion campaign.
City tasted back-to-back victories just once during 2023/24, winning 3-2 in dramatic fashion against Woking in November before following it up with a wonderful 4-0 triumph at Ebbsfleet United.
Defeat at relegation rivals Kidderminster Harriers at the beginning of February was damaging and they went on to win just once more in their final 16 games to finish bottom of the table.
Where do they play?
Oxford City play their home games at Court Place Farm in Marston, which was first opened in 1993 and has a capacity of just over 3,000.
The Hoops installed a 3G pitch at the venue in 2017 at a cost of £200,000 and it is used by over 83,000 people every year for up to 70 hours a week, including the club’s First Team, youth and junior squads.
Who is in charge?
It’s been a summer of change for Oxford City with the club announcing the appointment of former manager Andy Sinnott as their new Chairman following the sad death of Brian Cox in April.
At the top of Sinnott’s priority list will be the search for a new boss following the departure of Ross Jenkins earlier this month who had been in charge since 2022 and led the club to promotion in 2022/23.
Club owner Justin Merritt has confirmed that they are expecting to carry out interviews for the post in the early part of June as they look to identify the right person to take The Hoops forward on and off the pitch.
When did we last meet?
This coming season will be the first time the two clubs have ever played each other.
