Harvey Stays With Hednesford Town

HEDNESFORD TOWN boss Rob Smith says he expects last season’s top scorer, Neil Harvey, to have another impressive year after the striker pledged his future to the Pitmen.

Harvey, a Barbados international, was linked with a move to AFC Fylde last week but will remain at Keys Park for the club’s return to the Conference North.

The Pitmen say they never gave the Coasters permission to speak to Harvey, 29.

A statement on their website said: “The club are delighted to announce that Neil Harvey will be staying at Keys Park to honour his contract and to put an end to the speculation about his future.

“The uncertainty emanated from an unwelcome approach to the player by another club, who had not been given our club’s permission to talk to the player.”

Pitmen boss Smith added: “I’m delighted that Neil has committed to Hednesford again for this season. Despite reports to the contrary, I never believed that Neil wanted to go elsewhere and this announcement proves just that.

“Neil is a big player for this club and a firm fans favourite and I am sure he will have another excellent season, in what will be a very strong league.”