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Ashford Victoria midfielder Shane Jupp has announced that he will remain with the Vics next season after deciding against leaving the club this summer for a new challenge. The 2008-09 Player of the Year had originally planned to leave after three seasons with the Vics to sign for Premier Division side Bliby, but after thinking long and hard on the switch, the 23-year-old has changed his mind and will stay for at least another season.

Jupp, who scored eight goals in 22 starts last season, has been with Victoria since the club was first formed in the Autumn of 2005 and is one of only four original players left in the side. And his decision to turn down the chance of testing himself at a higher level has been welcomed by Vics boss Ryan Mills as a massive boost for the new season.

"I am delighted that Juppo has decided to stay with us, he is a quality footballer and a great lad who is well liked by all of his team mates" said Mills.

"When he first told me he was thinking of leaving of course I was disappointed, but obviously he wanted to see if he is capable of playing at a higher level. But I managed to convince him that he has the opportunity of doing that with Ashford Victoria over the next few seasons and I'm glad to he's staying".

"I think he found last season very frustrating in terms of the inconsistancy in results and performances, and he just wants to win trophies and play in cup finals and there's nothing wrong with that. But I think we've got the potential to be real contenders for some silverware next season and with players like Jupp on board, our chances are even better" added Mills.

Jupp himself feels he has made the right decision to stay with Victoria and has revealed that he realised it would have been very hard to have said goodbye to his team mates this summer.

"It would have been a gamble to join Bliby, for sure, but I just wanted to know what it was like playing in the Premier Division" said Jupp. "But I got so many friends here and the last few weeks going out with the boys has made me realise that I can't leave Victoria"

"But we have got to win something this season and everyone has got to listen to the Gaffer and play for the team, and this pre season is going to be so important for us and I can't wait for the new season to start" added the attacking midfielder.

Keeping hold of Jupp may mean that Mills will have to adjust his plans to bring in some new faces to the squad this summer. The Vics boss had already made it clear that some new players were needed to push on and build on last seasons mid table finish, but with Jupp now deciding to stay, the number of new arrivals will be significantly lower than first thought.

Mills has already targetted youngster Joe Mort and influential midfielder Danny Bushell as new signings, and is also looking closely at strikers Matthew Deeble and Ben Hearnden. A goalkeeper is also a priority of Mills', after he has decided to hang up his boots for good and concentrate on managing from next season and needs to replace himself as soon as possible.

Last seasons squad goalkeeper Benn Phillips has already spoke of his desire to win his place back, while Mark Bennett is also keen to make a return after a season away. Other goalkeepers to have shown an interest include Mark Terry and Ryan Hadley, while Mills himself has approached two Premier Division 'keepers .