Sam's back at The MGroup Stadium.

Oxford City are delighted to announce the return of Goalkeeper Sam Lewis on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa.

Sam is no stranger to City fans after his spell with the Hoops during the first part of the season before his loan spell was cut short due to injury. 

After returning to parent club Aston Villa for rehab, Sam has now returned to fitness and links up with the squad again and is eligible to take part in this afternoon’s clash with Buxton in Enterprise National League North. 

After re-joining City, Sam said: “I’m delighted to be back at Oxford City. 

“I obviously spent the first half the the season here and had a great time, but I also felt my injury came just at a time where we were picking up better results as a group. 

“It always felt like I had more to give and almost felt like there was unfinished business, so I’m buzzing to be given the opportunity to return on loan and give everything for the time I’m here.

Ross Jenkins added: “I’m delighted to get Sam in the building. 

“He’s someone we know well and he was very unfortunate with his injury. 

“He’s had some time to recover and get back on the pitch, so I’m looking forward to seeing him back in action.”

Sam has been with Aston Villa since Under-9s, signing a scholarship with the club in July 2022. 

The goalkeeper stepped up to the Under-18 squad for the 2022/23 season having already been involved with the Under-18s on matchdays the season prior, while attending England training camps.

Lewis spent a short spell on loan with Walsall Wood in March 2024 and, after penning his first professional contract with Villa that July, became a member of the Under-21 squad at Villa Park in the 2024/25 campaign. 

He made nine appearances during his first season in the Premier League 2, with a further three outings in Villa’s maiden UEFA Youth League campaign and a further game in the Vertu Trophy against Barrow. 

Sam joined Oxford City on loan at the start of the 2025/26 season, making eighteen appearances before injury cut-short a successful loan spell. Now, he’s back.

Welcome back, Sam!