WITTON Albion have agreed terms with captain Anthony Gardner on a new contract that will keep him at Wincham Park for the next two seasons.

The 26-year-old, who scored a decisive goal during April’s promotion play-off final victory over Spalding United, is a couple of games short of 300 appearances for a club he joined from Cammell Laird in 2011.

He is the latest member of Carl Macauley’s squad to commit his future to a team that is preparing for a return to the Northern Premier League’s top-flight next term.

Rob Hopley has been persuaded to stay too after briefly contemplating retirement.

“We’re happy, and so is he,” said the Albion boss.

“It sends out a strong message when your skipper says he wants to be part of what we’re trying to do for a long time.

“We know what he can do, and how important he is to this side, but it’s still gives everybody a lift to have proof of that commitment.”

Once signed, Gardner’s deal will expire at the end of the 2018-2019 campaign.