MANAGER Gary Whild hailed player-of-the-season Jared Hodgkiss' decision to re-sign for Kidderminster Harriers as a "massive boost" for the club.

Right-back Hodgkiss, 28, has accepted terms to stay for a second campaign after triggering an appearance-related clause.

Whild praised the impact of the defender, who started his career at West Bromwich Albion, following his switch from Forest Green Rovers last summer.

He said: "Jas has turned out to be exactly what we thought when we signed him. He's had a great season and deservedly swept the board with the end-of-season awards.

"When we spoke about the new deal, which he knew was there, he was very excited and it was almost like he was signing for the first time.

"He was excited to accept it and be part of what we're trying to build for next season and, with a bit of stability at the club, it could be even better for him."

Hodgkiss played 47 times for Harriers in all competitions and scored one goal in the Conference Premier.

Whild continued: "He's delighted we could offer him the deal that was on the table and there was no hesitation. It was something we could put to bed quickly and that's a massive boost to everybody at the football club."

Midfielders Jack Byrne, 25, and Aman Verma, 28, both have new deals on the table after triggering similar appearance clauses.

Whild said Byrne will take time to consider his options, while Verma has agreed to stay at Aggborough.

He added: "Jack has a few things he wants to consider and is taking time to do that, as you might expect and as is understandable.

"Aman has come full-circle in terms of being settled back in full-time football, which is something he'd wanted. Now I'm expecting him to kick on as he'll be a more important player for us."