AFC stars sign on the dotted line
FOURTEEN players have signed contract extensions to remain at Hinckley AFC next season.
The latest four to commit their future to the club are Mitchell Tomlinson, Mike Harvey, Jean Kalenda and David Blenkinsopp.
Manager Carl Abbott said it is “fantastic” to secure most of last season’s cup winning squad.
He said: “All the players have now been spoken to and retaining such a solid core of what was looking like an exceptional team towards the back end of last season is really exciting.
“It is unusual at our level of football to do this, but ensures that we will hit the ground running with a cohesive and tight knit group.”
Tomlinson played the most league games of any Hinckley player last season, starting at right back before slotting seamlessly into the back four and winning the young player of the year award.
Harvey joined from Southam United in February and made nine appearances in total. He won man of the match against Pershore Town and scored his first goal in the final league game at Littleton.
The versatile Kalenda made 31 appearances last season, and was nominated for two player of the month awards. His only goal came in the FA Cup win at Bromsgrove Sporting.
Meanwhile, Blenkinsopp arrived in February but his appearances were limited through injury. It is hoped a full pre-season will keep the former Nuneaton Town striker fit.
Manager Abbott, the former Wolves Casuals boss, also provided an update on the three players who are yet to sign extensions - Alex Penny, Isaac Cooper and Marcus Jackson.
He said: “All three have been spoken to at length and we want them to remain at the club. Penny is really focussed on returning to the full time game and I’m helping by exploring some opportunities for him. It is likely he will spend the majority of pre-season on trial at clubs. Cooper is, I think, leaning towards staying, but is weighing up some offers at Northern and Southern Premier level.
“He will weigh them up against the travelling commitment of Hinckley. He spent time with Halesowen Town and Barwell last season, but enjoyed his football more after returning to Hinckley.
“Marcus Jackson was brilliant in the latter stages of last season and became a huge influence in the dressing room and on the younger players.
“I am keen to retain him, but a few details need to be ironed out before we can confirm this.”