LEE Duckworth believes Jordan Johnson can repeat last season’s goal-scoring exploits despite asking the striker to take on more responsibility.

The 22-year-old will lead Blues’ attack following the departure of Kyle Riley, with the player-manager relieved to secure the front man’s services for another year.

“The vultures have been circling Jordan,” he told the Guardian.

“He’s powerful and strong, and scored more than 20 goals for us after a slow start. Who wouldn’t be interested?

“But we put our faith in him, and gave him a chance to play every week in his best position – something he’d not had as a young player with his previous clubs.

“I think that’s why he’s been happy to commit to us, and I’m sure he’ll guarantee goals again.”

Winsford-based Johnson attracted the attention of higher-ranked clubs as a teenager when he scored 10 goals in nine appearances for Cuddington in their Crewe and District League title-winning campaign four years ago.

Brief spells with Kidsgrove, Nantwich and 1874 Northwich followed before a move to Alsager.

He then switched to his home-town club last summer.

“Last season was the first time where I could commit fully every weekend,” said Johnson.

“I started enjoying my football again, which was brilliant, and that helped me to get past the 20-goal mark.

“Hopefully we can improve this time around, be more consistent and finish higher up the table.”

He should not be short of ammunition.

Winsford have confirmed that Danny Hudson has signed again, joining fellow wide men Brandon Moores, Scott Taylor and Ryan Steele.

Callam Gardner, on target during a 1-1 draw with Alsager in a friendly earlier this month, has also completed a return to St Luke’s Barton Stadium this week.

“We’ll have plenty of options,” admitted Duckworth.

“That’s fully intentional, and being positive with plenty of pace out wide allowed us to take a few teams by surprise last season.”

Blues continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to Holywell Town on Saturday.

They complete them at home to Altrincham on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.