COLWYN Bay have received a significant boost with the news skipper Tom McCready has agreed to stay on at the club.

The Seagulls’ midfielder has been a hugely influential part of the set-up since arriving from AFC Fylde on loan, and McCready will now spearhead their expected JD Cymru North promotion challenge after agreeing to a one-year extension.

This represents another huge plus for Craig Hogg’s side, who enjoyed a tremendous first season back in the Welsh domestic system following a three-decade stint in the English structure.

They managed to finish fourth on a points-per-game system after the Football Association of Wales curtailed the season due to the coronavirus, and a bold bid to reach the JD Cymru Premier is expected next time around.

Neil Coverley, director of football at Colwyn Bay, said: "It’s terrific news that Tom will be with us for a further 12 months, he’s been fantastic and leads by example both on and off the pitch.

"Once again he looks past offers from various levels of football and quite staggering finance packages to be at a place where things are done properly and we stick to the values we believe in.

"He is part of a squad that he believes in and working under a more than capable manager and one he respects and trusts."

McCready showcased his talents throughout Bay’s final season as a member of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One West, finishing as the club’s top scorer and winning Players’ Player of the Season.

He played in all but three of the 41 league and cup fixtures, scoring his first-ever hat-trick against Newcastle Town, and he celebrated his 50th game for the club earlier this month.

A former Everton FC Academy product, McCready has also represented Altrincham, Chester and Morecambe as well as having a spell in America on a scholarship with Limestone College.

McCready, added: "I am more excited than ever for a new season at Colwyn Bay, whenever that may be able to start. 

"It’s been such a journey so far during my time at the club, we’ve had ups and downs on and off the pitch but it feels like home for me now. I haven’t really entertained any other offers and I am staying to repay the faith the board and manager have put in me over the years.

"It’s very rare to find that in football and I realise how lucky I am. 

"The squad is great and with a few additions I think we should be challenging at the very top of this league next season, that’s certainly my goal and I know it’s shared by the players and fans at the Bay."