DARREN Thomas, who enjoyed great success with local side KEA, has become the new manager of Bicester Town.

He succeeds John Prpa, who has stepped down after three years as manager of the Uhlsport Hellenic League club.

Prpa shared the first-team duties with Eddie Nix for the first two years before taking overall charge last season, when he led them to second place in Division 1 East.

But for the third successive campaign, Bicester were unable to earn promotion to the Premier Division, as they do not own their ground.

The club use the facilities at Ardley United, who will play in the top flight, having won the Division 1 West title last season.

Thomas, who led KEA, from the Banbury District & Lord Jersey FA, to victory in the prestigious Oxfordshire FA John Fathers Junior Shield in 2017, is the perfect fit to take over as boss, according to Bicester chairman Tim Hollo-

way.

He said: “Darren is a local guy, who is very well-liked and respected by our current players.

“I am sure he will do a great job.”

Bicester’s players start training at the new Whitelands facility in the town, tonight at 7pm.

l Ardley have been drawn at home to Shortwood United in the extra preliminary round of next season’s Emirates FA Cup.

They will host the tie against the side relegated from the Evo-Stik South League last season on Saturday, August 11, with the winners facing a home tie against Abingdon United or Burnham in the next round a fortnight later.

Both Ardley and neighbours Bicester have home ties against Berkshire opponents in the first qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Vase.

Bicester host AFC Spelthorne, while Ardley entertain Holyport.

FA DRAWS

EMIRATES FA CUP

Extra prelim round (Aug 11): Ardley Utd v Shortwood Tn.

Prelim round (Aug 25): Ardley Utd or Shortwood Utd v Abingdon Utd or Burnham.

BUILDBASE FA VASE

1st qual round (Sept 1): Bicester Tn v AFC Spelthorne SC, Ardley Utd v Holyport.

2nd qual round (Sept 15): Brimsdown v Bicester Tn or AFC Spelthorne, Ardley Utd or Holyport v Cove or Fleet Spurs.