Dartford manager Ady Pennock is staying at the club next season.

The 54-year-old guided the Darts to third place in Isthmian Premier but they lost 2-0 at home to Dover in the play-off final on Monday.

Pennock said: “We just had an amazing season and I loved it. I’d be crazy not to sign another contract.

“There’s been a massive difference in the whole club from when I came in. It’s been incredible.

“From the chairman, the directors, the staff, playing staff and supporters, we really are working hard together, and I think the togetherness here is something special.

“I get on really well with the chairman and the directors. They’ve been very supportive. They have always been up front with me from day one.

“We’re a very good team. We’ve all bought into the fact we are rebuilding for the short term, the mid-term and the future – and that’s what we’re doing, from top to bottom.

“My family – wife, children and grandchildren – all come to the games and love the club. And to my extended family – the supporters – I want to thank you for all your support.

“It’s great you can also see we are building, not just for a season, but for the long-term future.”

Pennock has already kept the services of leading scorer Callum Jones.

The club’s player-of-the-year didn’t need much persuading to stay at Princes Park.

“I’m incredibly happy to keep Callum,” stated Pennock. “The fans bought into what he does and brings to the team. The work-rate, the goals and his all-round play. He’s been absolutely fantastic.

“I think it’s such an important signing and a statement of our intent. He came to the ground, I told him I’d signed and he signed and left in five minutes.

“I will be speaking to every player individually over the next few weeks – some have only just gone on holiday – but I have an idea of who will be staying and who will be going.

“Expectation levels will be through the roof because of the season we’ve had, but we are still building and have got a young squad.

“We were disappointed to lose on Monday, but I was straight on the phone to future possible signings the following day, so it’s going to be a very exciting and busy time for us all.”

Dartford chairman Steve Irving said: “We are delighted Ady and his team have signed contract extensions to keep them at the club.

“He’s a massive part of what we are trying to do here and the board has really enjoyed working with them all. We’d like to thank them all for all of their hard work this season.

“We look forward to working with them again and continuing to move the club forward.”