Defender returns to the MGroup Stadium

Oxford City FC are delighted to announce the return of Canice Carroll after the Central Defender left Chippenham Town. 

A firm fans’ favourite during two previous spells with The Hoops, Carroll’s impact in OX3 has been unquestionable. With over 100 appearances under his belt for the club, Carroll won promotion with the club back in 2023 and also City stay in National League North in the previous campaign. 

This will be his third separate stint at the club after the former Republic of Ireland youth international signed before yesterday’s Non-League registration deadline. 

Oxford City Manager Ross Jenkins said: “I’m delighted to bring Canice back into the group. 

“He’s a player we know very well and someone who will help the team over the next few weeks with his leadership qualities and understanding of the division.”

When we asked Canice for some words upon his return he replied simply with: “I’m back.”

Carroll of course is a man who needs no introduction to City fans.

After progressing through Oxford United’s youth academy and breaking into the first team, Canice moved to Brentford B. 

Loans in the EFL with Swindon Town and Carlisle United followed before he moved to Stevenage permanently. 

A short stint with Queen’s Park followed before Carroll moved back home to Oxford with the Hoops. 

He was part of the City side that reached the National League South Play-Offs in 2021/22, scoring twice in his first season before City were beaten at the Semi-Final stage by Dorking Wanderers. 

During his second season in OX3, he helped the team go one-better, when City swept away St Albans City in the NLS Promotion Final to win promotion to the fifth tier for the first time in the club’s history. 

Another successful season in the National League followed before Carroll left The MGroup Stadium.

Injury hampered his pre-season preparations that year, but he found his feet at Salisbury and played a big role in helping the side accrue a strong enough tally to remain in the division. 

However, he returned to Oxford again and did the same with City, playing a big role in turning our season around in National League North as Ross Jenkins’ side comfortably staved off relegation in the end. 

Again he departed in the summer to join Chippenham, but again he returns home. The Central defender bolsters the Hoops’ ranks for the end of season run-in, and once again, he’ll be looking to make an impact. 

Welcome home, Canice.