Assist king Tom Loynes has rejected other clubs to stay with Sittingbourne.

Loynes laid on 22 goals from midfield this season, a record that saw him attract interest elsewhere.

But, impressed by manager Aslan Odev's plans, he's committed his future to the Brickies.

Loynes said: "It was an easy decision in that I work in Sittingbourne and it's not far from where I live.

"Aslan had a chat and said what he could offer me and with the likes of Kane Rowland and Chris Webber staying, it was a no-brainer.

"I get on well with them and we're lucky to have a good changing room.

"If you've been around football that's so important.

"If you've got a bad changing room you dread going in on a Saturday but it's not like that.

"Everyone enjoys going in to training and having a laugh and it shows on the pitch.

"Aslan's got us playing the right way and working hard and believing in each other.

"That's half the battle in this league because if one player doesn't work hard, it makes it difficult for everyone.

"I had some interest. I didn't know what was happening at Sittingbourne at the time but once Aslan knew he had the job and told me what he could offer, that was good enough for me."

Sittingbourne's strong finish this season, including victory over champions Carshalton, gives Loynes confidence for next year.

They'll be competing in the renamed Bostik South East which will feature 20 teams instead of 24 following a restructure.

Loynes said: "If you're in a league you want to win it but we've got to be realistic given other clubs' budgets and the money they are chucking around.

"I play to win every game and I want to finish as high as possible.

"If that means we win the league, we win the league.

"If that means play-offs, then it's play-offs.

"We've proved we can mix with the Carshaltons and the Leweses this season and we gave Hythe a fright too.

"From what I'm hearing we're keeping the majority of the squad and Aslan's told me who he's trying to bring in.

"He doesn't want any big-time Charlies, he wants people who will work hard and fit into his philosophy.

"I'm just looking forward to the season.

"It's going to be interesting with the restructure because we'll have a Kent derby virtually every other week."