Didcot Town have fought off challenges from several other clubs to hang on to their talented central defender Lee Henderson.

Boss Dave Mudge was in discussion with the former Bicester Town and Witney player for the past month before securing his services for next season.

Henderson signed a new contract on Saturday.

Didcot put a clause in the contract that should clubs at Conference level and above make a formal approach he would be at allowed to talk to them.

He is the player who Mudge recognises as a vital member of the squad he wishes to forge for the next Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West campaign, and beyond.

Henderson said: “I am really happy playing for Didcot Town and want to see the team start to achieve again.

The club has shown it’s faith and commitment to me by offering me an enhanced contract for the coming season “I am more than happy to sign and repay the club’s confidence in my ability.”

Mudge said: “Lee Hend-erson is the key to the type of player I want.

“I am so pleased that he has shown the willingness to be a part of Didcot.

“It’s down to me and my team now, I have discussed with the club what I feel would be required for funding next season and that has been agreed.

“In addition to Henderson, I know who I want to retain from the current squad, and am already in the process of arranging meetings with players I would wish to bring in.”

In the past two months, Mudge has been giving players from the youth and reserves teams a taste of higher level football.

He said: “It will be part of team structure next season to continue this format.

“While there is no guarantee that the younger and fringe players will get a game, it shows we are a club club where young talented local players can progress.”