CONCORD Rangers’ top scorer last season Steve Cawley says he couldn’t bring himself to walk away from the club, despite several offers to lure him elsewhere.

The 25-year-old hit 20 goals in the National League South last term to complete a hugely successful personal season, in which he also lifted the Essex Senior Cup for the third consecutive season.

That form was not likely to go unnoticed and so it proved, with a National League club and two sides from the same level as Concord interested in his signature.

But expectant father Cawley said, while the offers were tempting, he could not bring himself to leave the Aspect Arena.

“There were a few offers and it was a tough decision this year,” he admitted. “But I love Concord and taking everything into account it was too difficult to leave. I am having a baby this year so the travelling was a factor, I know the club and I work with the chairman so there was plenty to think about.

“As hard as it was turning down some of the interest it would have been harder to leave Concord.”

Cawley agrees terms the same day as goalkeeper Ben McNamara, defender Steve King and midfielder Jay Dowie, with Sam Collins, John Easterford, Jack Lampe and James White already agreeing to stay.

And the striker said keeping those players was crucial, although admits losing fellow attacker Lewis Taaffe to Hemel Hempstead Town, one of the clubs believed to be interested in signing him, was hard to take.

“Everyone knows Taaffe and I are good friends on and off the pitch so it will be sad not having him around,” said Cawley. “We will keep in touch but it is football.

“We have signed up some key players which was very important. Obviously, keeping Whitey (White) was important as he is our captain and he had another brilliant season last year.

“Some big names have agreed to stay and I hope there are some more to follow.”