Quartet agree new deals with Poppies

The week started with the news that goalkeeper Paul White and midfielder Lindon Meikle had turned down fresh offers to remain at Latimer Park.

But Cox has now confirmed that the quarter of Ben Milnes, Gary Stohrer, Luke Graham and club legend Brett Solkhon have committed themselves to the Poppies for the next National League North campaign.

Talks are still ongoing with both Michael McGrath and Marcus Kelly while Connor Kennedy, Michael Richens and Tre Mitford are already under contract.

The news of Solkhon staying on means he will now look to reach the milestone of 600 appearances for the club having made it to 598 before last season was cut short due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

And Cox insists every player who was offered fresh terms earned them.

“I have talked honestly with all the players and the offers were based on what they have given me during the most recent season,” the Poppies boss said.

“Brett has made a lot of appearances and enjoyed a lot of success with the club and it was just pleasing hearing his response when we made the offer.

“He was over the moon, as you would expect from someone who has played nearly 600 games for the club and that enthusiasm and experience has never gone away with Brett.

“Him and Luke are players who people will look at and say they are coming towards the end of their careers but their offers were based on their performance levels last season.

“When called upon, they were excellent, especially when we went to a back three.

“It’s great that Brett is so enthused with coming back and hopefully he can reach that milestone.

“But I have been honest with him. He has got to come back fit and he will be like everyone else, he will have to earn his place in the side.”