ALDERSHOT Town have begun preparations for next season by retaining 11 key members of Gary Waddock’s current squad.

Goalkeeper Jake Cole, defenders Callum Reynolds, Will Evans, Nick Arnold and Cheye Alexander, midfielders Jake Gallagher, Jim Kellermann and Bernard Mensah, and strikers Scott Rendell and Matt McClure have all committed to new one-year contracts.

Forward Idris Kanu also remains under contract with the club until 2019.

“It’s been a busy few weeks and we’re delighted that the players have committed,” said Waddock. “We want to keep this group together and we need that continuity, because you can’t keep trying to rebuild a squad every season.”

Jake Gallagher, an England C international and the midfield’s main driving force, gave the club a ringing endorsement. “There’s no question about it, I was happy to sign. The season has been brilliant, the boys are fantastic, and with the feeling around the whole club, I’d be a bit silly not to sign. Everything about the club is moving in the right direction and I want to be part of that. This is definitely the best team spirit at any club I’ve been involved in. The whole atmosphere is brilliant.”

Aldershot chairman Shahid Azeem added: “The board are delighted to have been able to work with Gary to retain so many of this season’s squad so early. I’m sure the supporters will also be happy to see their favourite players staying at the club, with excitement already building for next season, which ever division we play in.

“I would reiterate the need for fans to now buy their season tickets, support Boost the Budget or sponsor the club. Our ambition is to reach 1000 season-ticket holders and the great value of our Early Bird offers remain until the end of the month. The support this season has been brilliant. We need everybody to get behind the club now and next season to help us move forward to the next level.”

* Former Shots striker Brett Williams, who was booed by some home fans during Torquay’s recent 1-1 draw at Aldershot, did his old club a massive favour by scoring both goals in the Gulls’ dramatic 2-1 win at Dover on Saturday.

The result pulled Torquay out of the relegation zone with one match to go and left Aldershot strongly placed to pip Dover for fifth place in the table.

* Aldershot Town have donated £2,000 to Aldershot homeless charity Step by Step as part of the FA’s Community Shield Fund.

All the 124 clubs who participated in the FA Cup from the first round proper have been allocated an equal share of the fund to donate to community initiatives of their choice.