Prolific striker Shaun Welford is staying at Hythe Town.

The 36-year-old, who rejoined the club from Cray Wanderers in January, has followed player-of-the-year Laurence Harvey's lead in signing a new one-year deal at Reachfields.

He said: "It was never in doubt. I should never have left in the first place - it didn't work out going to Cray - and returning to Hythe cemented my feelings about the place.

"It's a great club to play for, from the backroom staff up, and if we can keep the squad together I think we've got a really good chance of doing well next season."

Welford scored 38 goals for Hythe in 2013/14 but manager Scott Porter quit the club at the end of that season and incoming boss Tim Dixon couldn't afford to keep him.

But after five months at Cray, the centre-forward decided to retrace his footsteps, re-signing for the Cannons and netting 10 times in 17 appearances.

He signed his new deal on his 36th birthday.

Dixon said: "I’m extremely pleased that Shaun has signed for the forthcoming season. His attitude was first class towards the end of the season and despite several approaches, he has decided to stay with the Cannons.

"Shaun put pen to paper last night (Thursday) and his experience is vital at a club like ours. He loves the club and we are looking forward to working with him again next season.

"He has just been given the honour to play for Middlesex Wanderers in their tour of Scotland last weekend and scored and absolute worldie against Queen's Park - showing that he can score in Europe as well."

Hythe captain James Morrish has also signed up for another season at Reachfields.

Dixon said: "Mo is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Kent. His work rate is second to none and his experience, passion and enthusiasm is infectious.

"He, too, has been approached by several clubs and has had very lucrative offers but I’m over the moon that he has decided to stay with the Cannons for the right reasons.

"Along with Mo, Michael Yianni, Craig Thompson, John Walker, Josh Burchell, Jordan Wells, Sam Conlon, Laurence Harvey, Roddy Hayward and Harry Carr have all committed to next season."

More from Shaun Welford in next week's Folkestone & Hythe Express.