WINSFORD United have announced the retention of key striker Sam Madeley for next season.

It was confirmed that Madeley would be sticking around for the 2021-22 campaign – and he is aiming for big things at Barton Stadium.

The frontman, who had scored seven goals in as many games before the 2020-21 season was curtailed, believes manager Lee Duckworth is assembling a squad capable of challenging for promotion from the North West Counties League Premier Division.

“I think that, with the squad we had last season, we had a good chance of getting promoted and unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be because of Covid,” he said.

“Hopefully, with Ducko bringing in a few new faces, this year we can improve the team and achieve that, and maybe even win a trophy.”

Madeley joined Blues from Glossop in early 2019 and can count FC United of Manchester and Salford City among his former clubs.

He picked up an injury in the later stages of the Covid-curtailed campaign but is aiming to come back fitter and stronger than ever.

“It’s had its ups and downs,” he said when asked about his time at Barton Stadium so far.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been at a club this long, which says a lot.

“I’m enjoying my football, I think the team is getting better and better and I’m enjoying being a part of that.

“I look at where the club was when I joined and its come a long way since then.

“I’m really looking forward to it – the last competitive game I played was in October when I got injured.

“For me, I just want to stay fit and keep enjoying my football. The more games we can win along the way, the happier I will be.”

Blues manager Duckworth said seeing Madeley enjoying being on the pitch is “a pleasure” and hailed his striker for sticking with his side.

“Sam has been excellent since his first day here,” he said.

“It took me a while to convince him to come through but he’s never looked back since. He’s bought into what the club want to achieve.

“He is a natural goal scorer who continues to produce a good goal return year after year.

“It’s a pleasure to see him enjoying his football.”