WIMBORNE boss Matty Holmes described as “absolutely huge” keeping hold of Luke Burbidge for the 2019-20 campaign.

The former Poole Town and Weymouth winger has agreed terms at KoolPak Stadium next season, having helped Magpies remain in Southern League South in their first season at step three.

Manager Holmes told the Daily Echo: “With what he did for us last season with his assists and a few goals, he is a big player for us.

“It’s absolutely huge and is our signing of the summer so far.

“I am fully aware that he has most probably had two or three offers from other clubs over the summer.

“But he is a lad who loves playing football and wants to be somewhere that people believe in him in a happy environment.”

Burbidge initially arrived at Wimborne on loan from Poole Town in September 2017 but, having made the deal permanent, has been at Cuthbury ever since.

Holmes added: “I think he felt he wanted to re-sign because he wants to help the team push on and he hopes some of the signings we are going to make soon will help do that.

“He just wants to play football and be happy. I think that’s why we have kept him for almost two seasons now.”