Wivenhoe Town player-manager Julian Hazel has given the club a huge boost by signing a two-year extension to his contract with the Dragons.

Hazel was in the second year of a three-year deal, but signed the extension at the club's Broad Lane ground after Tuesday's 3-0 Vandanel Trophy triumph over Hertford Town.

The Dragons are making great progress both on and off the field - and Hazel said he was pleased to show his commitment to the cause.

He said: "I want to play for Wivenhoe, I'm comfortable here and happy and want to manage too - all my ambitions are here.

"Things are going well, we've come a long way but we are not getting too carried away. We are getting a good young squad together and I can see it happening.

"A lot of the players are signing contracts too, which is good - the fans deserve the success because they've been excellent."

Hazel, who is idolised by Wivenhoe's supporters, was last season's top scorer in Ryman League division two and has already scored ten goals this term.

Along with fellow managers Joff March and Steve Pitt he recently picked up the league's manager of the month award for division two for December.

Wivenhoe are currently seventh in the division after finishing fifth from bottom last season.

Young midfielder Ian Kershaw has also signed a one-year deal with the club, taking the total number of players on contract there to seven.

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