Welton defender Simon Clifford has signed a new contract with Welton following speculation about his future with the village club.The 23-year-old told the Social Club's website: "I met the chairman a couple of weeks ago and I think he realised I always wanted to stay at the club if the price was right. I'm delighted with the deal. It's good to get it settled."
Delighted Welton manager Al Taylor said: "He had a great debut season last year."
Clifford was an outstanding player in the Ron Eaglen Cup final, the Sills & Betteridge Premier League and the Kelly Read Cup after moving from rivals Waddington in the summer of 2007.
He signed on a free transfer, but his form has led to him being linked to other clubs in the Premier League in Lincoln during the close season.
Clifford had looked likely to leave Social Park after snubbing several contract offers from Welton, but the first choice centre-back managed to clinch a new deal after a stalemate deemed to end his short but sweet affiliation with the club.
"He's come to club as a big player and is has now established himself firmly as a Welton first-team star and that's testament to his hard work and ability, his new contract reflects that" added manager Taylor.
Despite signing a new deal with Welton, Clifford has upset sections of the Social Park faithful with the way he went about negotiations and will have to impress next season in order to prove his loyalty to the village outfit.