Ben Bailey delighted to be staying at AFC Telford

The 27-year-old centre-half is one of two Bucks players who have already committed for next season, along with teenage midfielder Joe Fitzpatrick.

The duo decided to stay on following meetings with boss Rob Smith and assistant boss Larry Chambers, while ex-Shrewsbury Town striker Dave Hibbert, winger Danny Reynolds and French full-back Joel Dielna have been let go.

Bailey – who also played under Smith at Hednesford Town – said: “We had a chat, Rob knows what I provide and I am really happy to be staying.

“It’s always been and idea of mine to get it done and out of the way, have a little bit of time off, and then come back for pre-season ready and excited for next season.

“I feel like the fans have taken to me as well because as soon as it was announced I was saying, I had a lot of kind messages on social media. I am looking forward to the future here.”

Bailey had a few spells out of the team last term but ended the campaign strongly, forming a solid partnership at the heart of defence with skipper Luca Havern.

He is determined to carry on where he left off and said: “It was always a case of knowing that when I got back in the team, I would prove myself and stay in the team.

“I was out of the side for a bit but that was because of a few red cards I got, and they affected my season.

“That’s how I play though, centre-halves have to take some risks but I got back in the side and I am happy.”

He added: “Rob is capable of getting in quality players. Last season’s squad had a lot of quality on paper, but it just didn’t happen.

“It will be exciting to see who they will bring in and who I will be playing with next season.”

Meanwhile, forward Dan Westwood – who recently jumped up for divisions from Wolverhampton Sporting – has accepted an offer to train over pre-season.

Three unnamed players have been offered new deals too as meetings with members of last season’s squad carry on over the next week.