Dover boss Mitch Brundle has told how he texted player-of-the-year Myles Judd every day in a bid to keep him at Crabble.

Brundle’s persistence finally paid off as right-back Judd signed a new contract for the 23/24 National League South season.

The 24-year-old was the stand-out performer in a difficult campaign for Whites which saw them survive on goal difference.

Brundle expected the former Leyton Orient man to move on but managed to convince him to stay.

“I’m absolutely delighted to keep Myles,” said Brundle. “It’s the biggest coup for the football club.

“I don’t know the last time we kept a player-of-the-season.

“I didn’t think I’d ever keep hold of him.

“I texted him every single day from April 29 until now to try and make him feel loved and make him feel wanted, even though he knew he was.

“He wanted to play for me, as much as I wanted to keep him.

“He feels loved and appreciated by the fans, which is probably something he’s never had, so that’s nice.

“He knows I’ve got his back. Do I think he should have gone higher? Yes, I do.

“If I had a National League or a League 2 job, would I have taken him? Absolutely - 100%.

“The way he trains and the way he is as a person, he’s fantastic.

“I just hope he can push on again this year and if he’s doing well and clubs come in for him, it means we’re doing well as a football club.

“I want to keep it that way.

“He trains like a bulldog. He trains the way he plays and I absolutely love that about him.

“I think I got the best football out of him that he’s ever produced and he wants to see where it goes with the new team we’re building.

“We’ve got a fantastic relationship.

“I love the kid to bits and just want the best for him in his career.

“If he’d had an offer from a club that would have benefited his career, I’d have been the first person to drive him there because it’s only right.

“A lot of people try to hold players back but I’m not one of them.

“Did he deserve a move? Yes, he did, but he didn’t get it.

“All I know is he’s got a lot of respect for me and I’ve got a lot of respect for him and I made him perform to the levels he did.”

Dover fans were delighted with news of Judd’s new deal, with some calling for him to be made captain.

The armband is up for grabs following Lee Martin’s departure, with the veteran midfielder joining Ramsgate.

“Juddy is definitely someone I’m considering as captain,” said Brundle.

“The way he is as a person, the way he trains, the way he plays, of course it’s something I’ve thought of.

“He needs to cut down on yellow cards, which is something we’ve spoken about, but he knows how much I adore him.

“He’s signed for this football club because I’m in charge.

“I know that for a fact and I appreciate that because he knows I get the best out of him.”