ABERYSTWYTH Town are boosted by the news that last season’s top scorer Declan Walker has committed his future to the Seasiders by signing a contract extension.

After missing close to 18 months of football due to a serious knee injury, and being told he might never play again, Walker linked up again with his former manager at Bangor City, Neville Powell, at the start of last season.

Despite those 18 months on the sidelines, the right back came back more determined than ever and proved to be one of Aber's standout players, top scoring with 14 goals in all competitions.

He provided some of the club’s most memorable moments last season, including a stunning hat-trick at Carmarthen, as well as a brace in the JD Welsh Cup semi-final against Newtown.

“I’m really pleased to have extended my contract,” said the 26 year-old, who made 19 appearances for Wrexham in the Conference in 2012-13, having progressed up through their academy.

“I really enjoyed playing here last season, and after being out injured for such a long time it was good to get a full season under my belt.

“Reaching the Welsh Cup final was a great achievement for us last season, because everyone seemed to have written us off after the first eight games, but we knew we had great players within the squad who were capable of turning things around, which is what we managed to do in the end.”

The attack-minded right back was given a professional contract at Wrexham in 2010 and broke into the Republic of Ireland U19s squad for the UEFA Championships a year later - only to be ruled out through injury.

However, he did appear in both games against the Ukraine in September 2010.

Walker signed for Powell and Bangor City in July 2013 and following an impressive first two seasons at the club, was then blighted by injury.

He left City in the 2016 summer and missed the entire campaign, but returned to fitness and football with the Seasiders in July 2017.

Walker said that he is looking for the side to build on their Welsh Cup final appearance and push on for a top six place next season in the Welsh Premier League.

“As a team we need to be pushing for a top six place this season, as well as another good Cup run,” he said.

“On a personal level, I just want to keep working hard, and to try and better my goal tally from last season.”

Walker was shortlisted for the Welsh Premier League’s Player of the Season, but the award went to Jamie Mullan of champions TNS. Bangor’s Luke Wall was named as Young Player of the Season, and Cefn Druids’ Huw Griffiths as Manager of the Season at the annual awards.

Geoff Kellaway, who has started over 200 Welsh Premier League games for Aberystwyth over 12 seasons, received the Welsh Premier Clubman of the Year award.