DEFENDER Jay Gasson has become the latest player to commit his future to Basingstoke Town.

The 30-year-old central defender missed a large part of the last season after suffering a broken toe, but has made more than 200 appearances since first joining the club in 2010.

Speaking after putting pen to paper on a new contract, Gasson said: "It was an annoyance to be injured last season, but injuries happen. I want to get back to the level I was before that and will work hard to get there.

“Keeping the players together is an important factor in what I believe will be a tougher league next season but I’m excited for what the new season will bring”.

Town manager Jason Bristow added: "Picking up that injury was unfortunate for Jay because he started the season very well. It was a bad break and it look him a long time to recover.

"However, with a good pre-season behind him, Jay will be an important player for us next season. He's a towering centre-back who has got better on the ball and we are pleased to have him back."

Bristow also revealed that forward Manny Williams has agreed terms with the club and is also set to remain at the Camrose.

"Manny is a player who we are really pleased will be back," the Town boss said. "He has got great football intelligence and experience and will be a real asset to us again."

Assuming that Williams does indeed re-sign and James Harper also returns for the new season, Bristow now has 16 players in his squad.

"If we are going to push on, we will need a couple more players," Bristow added. "There are a few we are interested in, but it might be that we wait until pre-season and see how they fit in."