SAM Clarke had no hesitation in signing a new contact at AFC Sudbury, despite only playing six games this season.

The 25-year-old spent five months on the sidelines with a broken arm and no sooner had he returned than he sustained a knee injury.

The Billericay-based player, who joined AFC Sudbury at the start of the 2008/09 campaign, has agreed to stay at the Ryman League Division One North club next season.

He has followed in the footsteps of fellow midfielder Michael Shinn, who is currently in charge along with coach Ian Brown following the resignation of Chris Tracey, and signed a one-year contract extension.

He said: “I spoke with Michael Shinn, who is temporarily in charge and is drawing up plans for next season.

“I have been here for five years and I am happy, so there was no doubt on my behalf that I would sign again.”

Clarke, who came off the bench and played the last 20 minutes of AFC Sudbury’s 1-0 defeat at Thamesmead Town in their last outing 11 days ago, continued: “It has been a very poor season from my point of view, but because of the injuries it has been out of my hands.

“I have played 40-plus games a season for the last four years, so it is not like me to have a season like this one, and I am keeping my fingers crossed for next season.

“The club is set-up to win promotion, but it has been a frustrating season because of all the injuries we have had. Had we had a fully fit side we would have been in a lot better position than we are.

“We want to be in a position where we are fighting to go up – that is definitely the plan.”

And Clarke is keen to continue wearing the captain’s armband at the MEL Group Stadium next season.

“I definitely want to be captain. I have captained the side for two-and-a-half years and want to carry on.

“Michael is happy for me to continue, but we will have to wait and see what happens if someone new comes in as manager.”

Clarke will be involved tonight, weather permitting, against Romford, who play at Thurrock’s Ship Lane ground and sit in 13th place – one place above AFC Sudbury, although they both have 41 points.

He added: “There are eight games left and I am looking to play a part in all of them.”