Wealdstone goalkeeper Jonathan North believes the Stones can push on into the top half of the Conference South next season and says it is part of the reason for extending his contract.

The ever-present goalkeeper became the second Stones player to put pen-to-paper on a new contract for next season this week, following in the footsteps of central defender Tom Hamblin.

And speaking after signing his new deal, North said: “It was pretty simple in the end.

“I spoke to Gordon (Bartlett) and (chairman) Howard (Krais) a little while ago and I was always keen to stay at the club.

“I love the club, the fans and it was always my intention to say,” he added.

The Stones were beaten 2-0 at home by Whitehawk in their final home league fixture of the season on Saturday, slipping to 13th.

Goals from Danny Mills and former Brighton & Hove Albion striker Jake Robinson sealed the win.

However, the former Watford gloveman stressed there is no reason why Bartlett’s side cannot improve again next term after staving off the threat of relegation with weeks to spare.

He said: “We have to look to push on next year and towards the top half of the table for sure and that is a large part of the reason for signing a new contract.

“We have a core of players who can be competitive for next year and there is no reason not to be positive.”

Wealdstone complete their league campaign at Maidenhead United on Saturday.