Cal Roberts has signed a new contract which will keep him at Meadow Lane until the end of the 2022-23 season.
The winger has become a hugely popular figure since arriving from Blyth Spartans in January, bagging eight goals, racking up a number of assists and dazzling defenders with his pace and trickery.
And manager Neal Ardley is delighted the club is in a position to extend Roberts’ stay.
“This gives Cal the knowledge that he’s committed here and that he can focus on helping this club get into the leagues above,” said the boss.
“You have to protect the asset and at the same time make the player feel like he’s part of a longer-term project. Put the two together and that’s where we are. If he does attract interest from elsewhere, the club’s in a strong position.
“I talk to Cal all the time about how we can give him the tools to be able to do what he does at a high level. The one thing I remind him of is that Premier League and Championship players are super-fit, super-fast and super-athletic – you can’t rest on your laurels because you’re doing well at the lower levels. You have to make sure you get everything right if you want to play at the top.”
Roberts, who today returned to training following a calf strain, added: “Firstly, I’d like to thank the club for repaying me for what I’ve done on the pitch.
“Like I said when I first came, if I work hard I’ll get the rewards – and I’ve been rewarded with a new contract, so I’m really happy about that.
“Coming here was a no-brainer and signing a new contract is a no-brainer again. The club’s going in the right direction and it’s a great place to be at the minute. The gaffer and the lads are brilliant and I enjoy training every day.
“Now we just want to get back to our best after the Covid break.”
Click here to watch the full interview with Cal.