BASINGSTOKE Town manager Jason Bristow has been a busy man over the past week, convincing five members of the squad who reached the Vanarama Conference South play-offs to spend another season at the club.

Defender Tom Bird, midfielders Simon Dunn and Louie Soares and strikers Chris Flood and Lloyd Macklin have all put pen to paper on new one-year deals at The Soccer AM Stadium.

Bristow had been concerned that some of his stars might be lured off to pastures new, but he has been pleased with the way that negotiations have gone so far.

He said: "We have had conversations with most of last season's squad and the feedback has been very positive.

"They are all disappointed with the way the season ended and want to put things right next year."

Tricky midfielder Soares, who is 30, was Town's Mr Reliable last season, putting in a string of fine performances and scoring seven goals.

Bristow said: "Louie was one of our unsung heroes last season. For a couple of months, he was our best player and we knew exactly what we would get from him, week in, week out."

Tadley-born midfielder Dunn, 23, is another key man in Town's engine room.

"Simon is a very positive player and is always on the front foot," Bristow said. "He made a difference whenever he was on the pitch and is a big player for us. You notice him when he's in the side and we miss him when he's not."

Left-back Bird was a revelation as Basingstoke finished third in the league, with Bristow revealing that he had turned down more money to remain with his hometown club.

"Tom had interest from other teams, with better offers than we could make," the Town boss explained. "The fact that he has signed for us says a lot about his commitment to the club.

"He had a fantastic season and is very important to the way we play. He contributed a lot to our success and we are pleased to have him back."

Striker Flood was Town's top scorer last season, bagging 19 goals.

Bristow said: "We had a problem scoring goals in 2013-14 but Floody came in and hit the ground running, getting a lot of goals in the early part of the season. His overall play and work for the team was great."

Pacy forward Macklin, who is 23, was another player who impressed in his first season at the club. Despite only starting 13 games, the former Swindon youngster managed to find the net seven times.

Bristow said: "Lloyd was a real menace coming off the bench and gives us options. He gives us a different dimension at times and allows us to play in a different way.

"His attitude is spot on. Despite not starting as many games as he would have liked, he never moaned and did the right things."