GRAVESEND & Northfleet skipper Jimmy Jackson has agreed to sign a new contract, which will keep him at Stonebridge Road until the end of the 2002-3 season.

The left-sided midfielder, who is the longest serving player at the club, has been in excellent form this season, scoring a number of important goals, including the opening strike at league leaders Canvey Island last month.

Fleet chairman Brian Kilcullen said: “He is a vital and popular player at the club. He has led the team superbly this season and shown loyalty, which is an all-to-rare commodity in football these days. He is an ambitious man and it is up to the club, with the continued help of the fans support and involvement of our sponsors, to continue to develop so that we can retain one of the best non-league players in the country.”

Manager Andy Ford added: “Jimmy could walk into the first team at a lot of clubs but he's been very loyal to us and I'm highly delighted. He's one of the best left-sided midfielders in non-league football, including the Conference clubs.”

With Gravesend riding high near the top of the Ryman League, Premier Division, Ford believes Jackson's signing could be just the boost the team needs as they try to gain promotion into the Nationwide Conference. He added: “It can only help the morale of the players because his signing, and that of Steve McKimm and other first team players, has been important. If he'd said no, it certainly would have a blow to the club.”