Long throws and promotion. Why 'The Ox' is back at Truro

Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain scored twice in 42 league appearances for Truro City last season

Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain says it was an easy decision to return to Truro City for a second season.

The 27-year-old central defender was a core part of the Tinners' National League South title-winning season after joining the club on loan last term.

He agreed a two-year deal with the club earlier this summer as the Cornish side prepare for their first-ever season in the fifth tier.

"Obviously I'm a long way from home, but last year was so good, and I felt there was so much love from everyone," he told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"I felt really appreciated, so it was an easy enough decision to come back."

Oxlade-Chamblerain's long throws have become a big part of Truro City's attack

The brother of former Liverpool and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - and son of ex-England player Mark - Christian came up through Portsmouth's youth ranks.

While his career has not hit the heights of his father's and brother's, he has still been a professional, mainly in non-league sides such as Aldershot Town and King's Lynn Town.

He scored twice in the campaign last season and was also an important attacking asset due to his long throw ability - something he only found out he was capable of in his early 20s.

"I think I was at Notts County, and we were just messing around, and I went, 'Oh I can throw a ball quite far'," he said.

"I can only relate it back to playing rugby at school, maybe that's the reason, but there's no rhyme or reason why I can throw that far."

Having spent the bulk of his career in the National League, Oxlade-Chamberlain says he and his teammates have to be ready for a tough challenge.

"It's a big jump. Everyone's good on the ball, everyone's quicker, everyone's stronger, everyone's fitter.

"I think everyone's more or less full time, so tactically everyone's better, so it's going to be a challenge, but I think we're more than up to it."

He adds: "You can just feel it from the fans how excited they are, and that feeds into the players and everyone in the club.

"There's going to be some really exciting games against some proper teams in proper stadiums."