Jack Rea's fitness aims set at AFC Telford

The 24-year-old, who finished the campaign as Bucks captain, will be keen to make an impression.

The squad will return for the start of their preparations for 2016-17 for what will be his first fit summer with the club.

Last year he missed pre-season while he was recovering from a knee injury, after playing just five games following his arrival from Guiseley in January 2015.

This time, he faces some intense competition following the signings of Callum Gittings, Lee Fowler, Michael Monaghan and Sean Williams, as well as Lucas Dawson's decision to stay.

Assistant boss Larry Chambers said: "This will be the first pre-season he's had in two years because it will be the first time he's going to be fit because he's been playing catch-up because of injuries.

"By his own admission the last two seasons haven't been great for him because he got relegated from the Conference and then was involved in a survival battle.

"But hopefully this season will be a more positive one for him.

"He's a big player for us and he played a massive part in our survival last season and it's great to eventually have him on board again."

Rea will return as one of only four survivors from before manager Rob Smith and Chambers returned to the club with goalkeeper James Montgomery, winger Zak Lilly and striker Dave Hibbert.

The former Chester youngster was the last of the existing players offered a deal to sign up.

But Rea was a key member of the side that managed to avoid National North relegation and Chambers is delighted to have him on board again.

Chambers added: "Both parties would agree it took longer than expected for various reasons.

"He's one of only four players left from when Rob and myself came back towards the start of last season with James Montgomery, Zak Lilly and Dave Hibbert.

"But knowing Jack, he'll be looking to hit the ground running when the new season begins."