Two more members of Paul Holleran’s trusted defensive unit have agreed terms for the forthcoming 2019/20 season.

Connor Gudger’s season was disrupted by injury but he still made 32 appearances in the left back position that he has made his own since signing from Worcester City in February 2015, and is set to pass 200 appearances for the club this season.

Junior English also joined from Worcester in summer 2017 and has been one of the most consistent players in the side over the last two seasons, winning the Players Player of the Year in his opening campaign and the Manager’s Player of the season last time out.

‘I am delighted to have reached agreement with both Connor and Junior for the new season,’ said the manager. ‘They are similar to the three centre halves and Tony Breeden in that they have both been highly consistent in their respective positions. Junior is vastly experienced and has never played below the National League in his career. He is a great professional, has been tremendous in defence for us and is always good for a few goals each season.

‘Connor has grown in stature in each of the five seasons he has been with us. He’s been a great signing, very consistent and is a big character for us both on and off the pitch. It is a huge boost for the club that we have our defensive unit in place again.’

Another piece of good news is that Kieran Dunbar is firmly on the road to full fitness after the injury that kept him out from mid January onwards. ‘Kieran has had his final scan and will be starting his full rehabilitation training,’ said Paul Holleran. ‘He has been given the all clear to step up his fitness work will have a gradual increase in training during June and July with a view to hopefully kicking a ball again at the beginning of August.’