Simon Johnson admitted he was always going to re-sign for Eastbourne Borough.

The home-grown midfielder has become the fourth of 11 players offered new deals to commit himself to the club for 2014-15.

Johnson,a former England Schools under-18s international, enjoyed a tremendous season at Priory Lane, finishing as top scorer with ten goals in a new role playing just off the main striker.

The 23-year-old made his Borough debut in January 2009 and is now looking forward to a seventh season with the club.

He told The Argus: “I have been here a long time for my age and it is nice. I love the club, I was always going to sign.

“It suits me at Borough. I like it at the club and I like what Tommy (Widdrington) is doing. It is nice to be on board for another season.

“I enjoyed it this season in a different position just behind the striker. It was definitely my season wiith the goals as well and maybe the quality of the goals which was something I’m not used to.

“It is nice to play in a position where you can express yourself a bit more. If you do something wrong you don’t really get punished for it because you are trying to do the right thing near the goal.”

Johnson has followed Adam Watts, Matt Aldred and Elliott Levy in signing a new deal at the club, while skipper Ian Simpemba was already under contract for 2014-15.

Manager Widdrington is hoping others like Elvis Hammond, Chris Shephard and goalkeeper Craig Ross will also agree to stay.

Johnson added: “I think if we can keep hold of most of the team and add a couple more experienced players we will be up there again.”