Kingstonian's player of the year Dean Lodge will not be going anywhere despite reports of a possible pre-season trial at Blue Square Premier side Oxford United, according to boss Alan Dowson.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move away from Kingsmeadow since claiming a clean sweep of club awards after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Eastbourne Town.
Lodge, who re-signed for Ks earlier this season after a brief spell at Basingstoke Town, has been in sparkling form, bagging 13 goals in all competitions.
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The ex-Queens Park Rangers trainee has given Dowson his word he will be with Ks next season, providing an offer from the professional ranks does not come his way.
Dowson said: "This is his non-league club. He loves it and the fans love him.
"I have spoken to him and trust him when he says he will be here next year.
"He is ambitious and wants to play professionally.
"He is still the right age to make the step up, but he won't leave unless it is for a Conference level or pro club.
"I will help him do that. He is a cracking lad and has done well this season."
Dowson revealed midfielder Tom Williams had agreed to sign a contract for next season, taking to three the number of players to have put pen to paper on official deals with the club.
Young centre-back Rob Sheridan and goalkeeper Luke Garrard are already on board, but striker Danny Summers has told Dowson he is taking up a football scholarship in the US.
Star man Bobby Traynor has hinted he is unlikely to be tempted away from the club in the summer, but the manager insisted contracts would not be handed out like confetti.
"Something went wrong last year and I don't want to be in the position again where I am unable to change things due to the contracts people have signed," Dowson said.
"Next year starts now for me. I have already been on the phone looking to see who is available.
"It does not take a genius to work out we need to strengthen at the back and score more goals, so a centre back and centre forward are my priorities."
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