DANGEROUS wing-backs are valuable commodities for top flight Flintshire clubs.
Connah’s Quay Nomads have announce that Declan Poole has agreed a new deal at the club for the forthcoming season.
Meanwhile, Jake Phillips is to remain at the Essity Stadium for Flint Town United’s return to the Cymru Premier League.
Poole originally joined the Nomads in November 2016 having previously played at Everton U18s, Wigan Athletic and Nantwich Town.
He would depart the club in 2022 for a brief spell at Buxton, however he returned the following year ahead of the new season. Poole went on to add another Welsh Cup victory to his previously decorated spell at Nomads, during which he won two Cymru Premier League titles, two Welsh League Cups and another Welsh Cup.
In all, he has made 169 competitive starts for the Nomads and he was a key creator over the course of the latest campaign with nine assists.
Manager Neil Gibson told Nomads’ website: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have Declan extend his stay with the club for another 12 months.
“I thought he had an unbelievable season last year and played a huge part in the success that we had of finishing second and winning the Welsh Cup.
“Obviously he spent 12 months away at Buxton and it was great to get him back last season and he fitted straight back in as though he’d never been away.
“Now that he’s at the age of 28, he’s becoming an integral player in the squad and he’s become a leader within the group - he goes under the radar sometimes due to the position he played but his assists tally last season was outstanding and he is helping guide a number of the younger players at the club, so I’m delighted to be working with him again and continuing the success we have built this past season.”
Poole added: “It was an easy decision to want to re-sign - we’ve got a great group of lads and great coaching staff to be a part of. We had a really successful season last year and it’s something I want to be a part of next year again. It would be great to get to another final next season and win another trophy.”
Phillips will be lining-up once more for Lee Fowler’s Flint when the top flight season gets underway.
He enjoyed a terrific season as the Silkmen achieved a runners-up finish in Cymru North, winning the committee and chairman’s player of the year awards.
Boss Fowler told the club’s website: “I’m really looking forward to seeing Jake play in a more central position, as we both feel this would add more responsibility to his game.
“He is coming up to the age where he is now looked on as one of the leaders in our team, both in his performances and in his attitude and professionalism, which is exemplary.
“And the younger lads in the squad respond to this, and really look up to him. He is very highly thought of, by everyone at the club. In fact, I think you could call Flint Jake’s spiritual home.
“Sometimes, certain players just fit certain clubs and in both his spells here, first under Gibbo (Neil Gibson), and then with me last season, Jake has given consistent, top level performances.”
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