Towering centre-half is the latest new name in the squad.

Oxford City are delighted to announce the signing of defender Jalen Jones.

After an impressive season with Aveley in National League South last season, the 6ft 7in centre-half is the latest new recruit to arrive at Court Place Farm.

An international teammate of Manager Sam Cox with Guyana, Jones came through Crystal Palace’s prestigious academy before making a name for himself in non-league with the likes of Worthing, Braintree, Cray Wanderers and Aveley.

A towering defender who likes to play out from the back, Jones was played a pivotal part in the Aveley squad that were surprise packages in National League South last season.

Now, he'll link up with City ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

“I’m looking to help get the club back to the National League.” Jones told www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk after putting pen-to-paper on his new deal.

“I know Sam as a player and as a coach," he added.

"What he brings to the national team is what I enjoy, especially the style of play.

“I have a big presence and I like to use that, not only in the defensive side of things, but also in the attacking box as well.”

Oxford City Manager Sam Cox added: “Jalen is a fantastic signing for us.

“He has a fantastic physical profile, has a lovely nature about him and he’s aggressive out of possession and competent on the ball to deal with the demands I want in possession.

“He’s going to be a major part of everything we do going forward and hopefully he’ll be a major success here.”

Jalen started his youth career with AFC Wimbledon as a youngster and was quickly poached by Crystal Palace.

After he left Selhurst Park, he dropped down to non-league football with Merstham.

A move to Worthing followed in 2018 before he moved to Scandinavia to join Swedish side Skelleftea.

However, whilst in Sweden, his time in the country was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and he returned to the UK.

From there, he joined Carshalton Athletic, Cheshunt & Braintree Town, before finding a more permanent home with Isthmian Premier League side Cray Wanderers in the 2022/23 season.

A standout player throughout the campaign for Cray, newly-promoted Aveley soon came calling  for his signature, and once again the defender impressed in the Essex side's first season at step 2 last season.

The central defender also represents Guyana at international level and has made fourteen appearances for the Golden Jaguars.

Welcome to Oxford City, Jalen.