Will Hatfield is staying at Stanley after putting pen to paper on a new contract with the club.

The 22-year-old has signed a new 12 month deal at the Store First Stadium.

“It was a good end to the season for me and the team and having had about six weeks off now I’m dying to get back and delighted to have signed up for another year,” he said.

“When you go away for the summer you always enjoy it but it’s always in the back of your mind when your contract’s run out where you are going to be and where you’ll be playing.

“I think the manager’s going to be able to keep the majority of the squad from last year; the start we had last season wasn’t the one we wanted but we finished well so hopefully that can continue with the players we have staying and continuing that run.”

The midfielder has made nearly 90 appearances in his three seasons with Stanley and boss James Beattie is looking forward to working with him for another campaign.

“I’m very happy that Will’s signed,” said the manager. “He’s a very tenacious, fit young man and can play in a number of positons. He’s a great character, much loved in the dressing room and by the players and staff.

“It’s a pity that he didn’t get off to a goalscoring start last season and I think if we can get him scoring goals early this time then we can get him on a run.

“He’s always willing to listen and learn and still only young so hopefully we’ll see a huge progression in his game this season.”