Striker Kane Rowland is among of group of players to have committed themselves to Sittingbourne for next season.

Rowland hit 22 goals for the club in Bostik South during the 2017/18 campaign and was named in Kentonline’s team of the season.

Scoring goals and getting recognition led to fears that he could depart this summer and Odev is relieved to have got him agreeing to stay for another year.

Odev said: “It is good to see players showing commitment to the club, especially after the fans, coaches and the board have shown support to them. They are repaying that in their way by doing it as early as they can.

“They seem hopeful and excited about the next season.

“Kane is very important to our identity as a team and what we want to achieve. It is good to see him committing to the club.

“He was in the team-of-the-year and we were happy for him because of that, but you are also a bit apprehensive, because anybody can see his name in there and it would be easy for scouts to get his number.

"I am sure he garnered interest but I am glad we have got him on board because he is important to what we want to achieve.”

Rowland was suffering with a hernia injury for much of the season and Odev is hoping to get even more from him next time around.

The manager said: “We can definitely get more out of him, he knows that. I have spoken to him extensively about my plans for him and what I can improve upon but he is already a very good player.”

Rowland isn’t the only one to have signed, with Josh Dorling, Fabrice Blewordah, Reiss Crimmen, Harry Brooks and Chris Elliott all agreeing to play under Odev again next season. The manager is in discussions with others.

“Nobody has told me they are moving on yet,” he said.

“Obviously there are few players that are being a bit quiet but I have a good rapport with all of my players and a good relationship. They know they can be honest with me about anything.”

New players are also being contacted but Odev knows it’s a cut-throat business over the summer months.

He said: “We can't put paperwork through until July 1. Players have told me they are interested and others that they are 100% coming but until they have signed those forms anything can happen.”