DAGENHAM & REDBRIGE centre half Mark Arber has committed himself to the club by signing a new two-year deal, writes MIKE SIMMONDS. Captain Arber, 31, was a key part of Daggers play-off push last season, playing 45 times for the club, and has made 64 appe

DAGENHAM & REDBRIGE centre half Mark Arber has committed himself to the club by signing a new two-year deal, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

Captain Arber, 31, was a key part of Daggers' play-off push last season, playing 45 times for the club, and has made 64 appearances in his time at Victoria Road, scoring three goals.

Goalkeeper Tony Roberts is also expected to put pen to paper on a new one-year deal and manager John Still was delighted with the news.

"Mark has agreed to stay and I'm very comfortable with that," he said.

There should be further announcements in the coming weeks about which players are staying or going, with Ben Strevens, Sam Saunders and Magnus Okuonghae all out of contract, but the manager was keeping his cards close to his chest.

"I've been talking to all the players now, and I think that soon we will be able to announce what is happening," he said.

"I always say to the players though that they should explore all their options before making a decision, because then it will be the right one."

One player who might well be on his way back to Victoria Road is midfielder Doug Loft, after he was released by Brighton & Hove Albion.

Loft played 10 times for Daggers while on loan, and Still didn't rule out bringing him back permanently.

"Again, it's something we will look at, and then make a decision on," he said, as Daggers are short in the midfielder area due to Glen Southam leaving the club after cancelling his contract by mutual consent.

"I think Glen was frustrated by his lack of opportunities last season, and I had to say to him that I couldn't promise it wasn't going to be the same again this year," admitted Still.

"If he didn't want to go through that again, then I can completely understand his decision."

Still also offered some hope that Portsmouth wing sensation Matt Ritchie might return to the club next season, after a stunning year with the Daggers in which he scored 12 goals.

His performances impressed at Pompey, as he was named as the young player of the year, but Still will try to bring the youngster back to Dagenham.

"I will speak to Paul Hart and see what can be done," said Still.

"But I don't think they will decide anything until pre-season anyway, so again, we'll just have to wait and see for now."

How pleased are you that Arber has signed a new deal? Email: sport@ilfordrecorder.co.uk

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