DIRECTOR of rugby Andy Deacon has signed a one year contract to keep him at Cinderford next season.

The former Gloucester prop (pictured) is now trying to get his key players onto contracts for 2012/13 as soon as possible.

Cinderford finished eighth in National League One after thumping Coventry 44-0 at Dockham Road on Saturday.

That puts them among the top 32 clubs in the whole of the country. Deacon said: "Some people see us as 'little old Cinderford', but we've got a good set-up and we're ambitious.

"This job is full-on and has given me plenty of sleepless nights, but it's also very enjoyable.

"We've finished strongly through the second half of the season and we've done that with a number of long-term injuries, such as Adam Nicholls and Lloyd Stapleton.

"One of the most pleasing parts of the job has been working with the guys and seeing them develop together.

"There's always 30+ at training and they work hard.

"There's financial stuff to sort out before we decide who will be here next season, but for most of the boys it's not about money."

Deacon says he would like to add a few new faces to the mix, as well as helping young players in the United and Colts team fulfil their potential. He said: "We're always on the lookout for props and could probably do with another back three player and a scrum-half.

"However, stability is important."