CENTRAL midfielder Chris Knowles insists he is keen to commit his future to Bashley – and is already eyeing another play-off push.

The news will come as a timely boost to Bash, who saw star player Dave Allen quit the Recreation Ground last week to complete a move to Dorchester Town.

Influential performer Knowles made 45 appearances – all in the starting XI – and scored nine goals to help Steve Riley’s men enjoy another successful season.

Their campaign ended in disappointment, though, as they agonisingly missed a Southern Premier play-off place before Allen left the club.

But Knowles, the former Salisbury City player, is keen to stay and help the New Foresters challenge next term.

Discussing his future, he told the Echo: “I haven’t signed anything and am talking to the club at the moment.

“I’m just in the process of sorting things out. I’m happy to stay.

“I enjoyed it last season. We’ve lost Dave Allen, but we’re looking to go one better and get in the play-offs.”

Skipper Allen left Bash last week in favour of trying his luck at the next level in Conference South.

Knowles, who has made more than 200 appearances in his Bash career, said: “He was our captain, scored lots of goals and was a great lad in the changing room. We’ll miss him in every aspect.”

However, Knowles is hoping his team can recover from Allen’s departure. The 23-year-old added: “Every club goes through it and loses good players.

“But you have got to move on. We’re sure to get another player and, hopefully, he can get 20 goals and get us in the play-offs.”