Kidlington Make Two More New Signings

Pitching In Southern League Division One Central club Kidlington have signed centre-back Ben Richards after he moved to the area, with Zarius Edwards also joining.

Twenty-five-year-old Richards is a defender with huge physical presence. He is a dominating centre-back who likes the physical side of the game but can play with the ball and is technically very able for a big man.

He joins Kidlington from United Counties League Premier Division North side Newark & Sherwood and was also on dual registration with Northern Premier League Division One East outfit Cleethorpes Town.

He had joined Newark in the summer of 2022 from Lincoln United, where he had been since late November 2021 after arriving from Wisbech Town.

He had switched from Spalding United to neighbours Wisbech in January 2021, having joined the Tulips in August 2019.

He was with Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division side Cottesmore AFC in 2018/19 and also had a spell with Harrowby United.

Kidlington boss Mark Massingham told his club’s website: “Ben is a big signing in many ways! He brings so much to the team with his physicality and presence, a big dominating player who I’m sure the fans will soon enjoy watching.

“He is someone we had to wait for as he had offers on the table from very good Step 3 clubs but he has chosen us, he believes we can get the best out of him and we are very glad to get him on board.

“I must admit his attitude has been first class with his honesty and the way he has spoken to Aidan regularly whilst weighing up offers from higher up since I’ve been away has made us more sure he is the right fit for us.

“He is already showing leadership qualities and alongside Jack Smith we have two experience centre-backs who fit perfectly into what we want as a defensive unit.”

Zarius Edwards has become the seventh new player to join Kidlington under Massingham’s management for 2023/24.

A powerful player who has size and athleticism combined with a winning mindset and technical ability.

He has always had potential to develop his game and has shown a great attitude in training and a desire to reach that potential this season.

A local player with the likes of Chesterton, Thame Rangers and Ardley United, the club is very happy to bring in and will make a big impact with his ability to cover a couple of positions very well.

Edwards is known to Massingham since his younger days at Oxford United.

Massingham told his club’s website: “I have worked with Zaz before, when he was at Oxford and I know he has always been on the best players in Oxfordshire for his age, he has grown to 6ft-plus but kept his athleticism and he covers the ground easily.

“He is very comfortable with the ball at his feet for a big man and has a physical side to his game. I know he’s been impressed with Aidan and David’s sessions, we feel he fits everything we want in a player, a hungry winner who wants to improve”.

Meanwhile, 28-year-old midfielder Tom Moore has committed to the 2023/24 campaign, having been first team captain last season.

He is an experienced Step 4 player who has a wealth of experience at this level since coming through the club’s development team and has a proven winning mentality, he enjoys taking responsibility and has a top level attitude.

Kidlington Web Site