FIVE mainstays of Paul Michael’s Cinderford Town side from the end of last season have agreed to sign on for another campaign.

The Foresters will look to mount a title challenge after relegation back to Southern League Division One South and the latest development sees eight players from Town boss Michael’s return.

The most popular move among these is the confirmation that goalkeeper Cameron Clarke, a fan favourite and shining light since Michael’s arrival at the Causeway last November.

“In goalkeeping terms Cameron is still very much a young keeper and he still has a lot to learn, but he showed last season he has the potential to be an excellent non-league keeper,” Michael said.

“His shot stopping is second to none and his commitment to the team and performances last season merit another opportunity this season.

“His distribution skills and speed off his line will suit this season’s style of play and we will look for him to develop further.”

Utility man Jack Alderdice, who Michael named as his player of the season, as well as striker Craig Norman and defenders Isaac Kelly and Danny Clare have also signed on for the 2017/18 season.

“Jack is a versatile player who we can trust to carry out any role asked of him,” Michael continued.

“He’s most at home in centre midfield or at centre back as he understands the game, he’s a good talker on the pitch and in the changing rooms.

“Danny did so well for us last season and was monumental in the run we went on in February.

“He showed during that time what a dominant centre back he can be. He also put his body on the line week after week and whilst you can’t get some players off the treatment table Danny got strapped up and went out on one leg for most of the second half of the season.

“I won’t forget that commitment and I’m looking forward to seeing him fully fit at the start of this season.

“Craig has scored goals all his career, albeit at lower levels, and after a taster last season I’m sure he’ll be looking to do even better next season.

“He’s a great lad to have around the changing rooms, and when he steps across the whitewash you know you’ll get 100%.

“Isaac is such a talented player with all the physical, technical and behavioural attributes to play higher.

“For someone so young he made such an impact last season and was so sorely missed when he wasn’t there.

“For someone on loan he didn’t shirk anything and was one of our most committed players right until the end including playing four games in a week when others had fallen away.”

Michael added that he hopes to add ’six or seven’ new players while Elliot Ford and Miles John are both leaving Cinderford Town.