Striker Danny Carey-Bertram today revealed his delight at penning a new deal with AFC Telford United, insisting: “I never wanted to leave.”

The 24-year-old – he turns 25 a week on Sunday – finally agreed terms over the weekend after protracted discussions since the end of the season.

Now the 21-goal marksman is eager to build on one of the most prolific campaigns of his career.

His new deal has seen him take a drop in wages as the club looks to take a cautious route during the current economic depression, but Carey-Bertram is quick to dismiss that as a concern.

“I think the whole team have taken a pay cut,” he said. “The club has been cutting back with the recession.

“I’ve never been a money man though, for me it’s all about enjoying my football and – after a couple of up-and-down years – I’m finally doing that here.

“I know there was a bit of speculation around and there were a few offers and a few others watching, but I loved my season at Telford.

Registered

“I love the players, the staff and the fans, and there’s not many better set-ups around unless you’re going up into the Football League.

“I’ve enjoyed playing here and I think I’ve done quite well. I didn’t want to leave so I’m very happy to be staying.”

The former Hereford man scored 23 goals in total last season, including the two he registered for Bath City before joining the Bucks in October.

He hopes to build on that in the year ahead, though he stopped short of setting any dramatic goal targets.

“I never thought I’d score 21 goals when I came to Telford and I was delighted to do quite well,” he added.

“I don’t like setting targets but I’m just hoping I can carry on where I left off next season.

“There’s no guarantees that I’ll be in the team of course, and I’ll be working hard to make sure I stay on top of my game.”