Ludlow Town handed boost with string of key player retentions

Ludlow Town have continued their preparations for the new season by securing the futures of a host of key players.

Boss Chris Waldron had previously outlined his desire to keep the core of his squad together as he prepares for his first full campaign in charge of the Knights.

Ludlow will be aiming to improve on last season’s 11th-place finish in Hellenic League Division One, with ambitions of mounting a challenge for the play-off places.

Among the latest players to commit their futures are three local products who continue to represent their hometown club.

Forward Harry Jones will remain with the Knights after enjoying a blistering start to last season where he netted 10 goals in his opening 10 matches.

Midfielder Jack Marston has also agreed to stay. Another long-serving local player, Marston is targeting a return to full fitness after an injury-disrupted season.

Joining them is Jamie Richards, who was restricted to just a handful of appearances last season after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury. Richards is now hoping an injury-free season will allow him to re-establish himself in the side.

Elsewhere, goalkeeper Zach Venables has also committed to the club ahead of what will be his sixth season with the Knights. Venables has amassed considerable experience as Ludlow’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Last season’s Players’ Player of the Year Cameron Marsh has also been retained in a significant boost. The versatile defender is capable of operating across the back line.

And club captain Morgan Millard will also remain at Ludlow. The pacey defender has been a key figure under Waldron.

There has been a departure, however, with attacking midfielder Tom Dwyer completing a return to Knighton Town after impressing during pre-season.

Ludlow have also discovered their opponents in the opening round of this season’s FA Vase. The Knights will travel to Burton-upon-Trent-based Stapenhill in the first qualifying round on August 15.