MIKE Ford is delighted to be reunited with Darren Pond after the midfielder agreed a return to Banbury United.

The 30-year-old, who helped Leamington win promotion from the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division last season, came through the Puritans’ youth set-up.

Pond made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old in 2004, going on to make 107 appearances, before moving to Oxford City in 2007.

It was at Court Place Farm where he played under Ford and achieved two promotions as the club climbed into the Vanarama National League.

The Banbury boss, who made Pond his captain while at City, is thrilled to secure his signature.

Ford said: “I’m really pleased Darren has agreed to join the club.

“He is vastly experienced at this and the level above and will add quality and skill to the side.

“He has been part of two promotion winning sides from our current division, both while at Oxford City and last season at Leamington.

“I’ve worked previously with Darren at City and he was instrumental in the success we had.”

“I know that with Darren being a local lad many United supporters would have liked to have seen him back in a Puritan shirt before now.

“A combination of circumstances has meant it has not been possible, but I’m delighted that I have now been able to bring him in this summer.”