Joe, who has already made more than 150 appearances for Leiston, 45 of them last season, where he also netted five goals, signed on the dotted line this week, and admitted he was pleased to do so.

“Last season was such an enjoyable one for us, it feels so right to stay,” Joe said.

“There’s a great dressing room at Leiston, one I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of. It’s also a club with exciting projects in progress, so it definitely feels like the right decision.

“As for the coming season, we know it will be tough. We’ve set our standards high, we now need to maintain, or even better them. We certainly believe we can, and we hope to see lots of fans turning out to support us.”

Joe has proved a key cog for the Blues, on and off the pitch in recent seasons, where his popularity with everyone at Victory Road is well recognised.

“We are delighted that Joe has agreed to be with us for another season,” director of football at Leiston, Dave Williams, said.

“He has proven quality and scored some important goals for us last season and, like several of our squad, his versatility is a real asset.

“He’s also a big character in the dressing room and a real club man.”

Joe’s signing comes hot on the heels of the signing of Ross Crane this week, the former Ipswich Town man penning a two-year deal at Victory Road after his contract at Needham Market expired.

Skipper Seb Dunbar is another who has signed a new deal, while former Ipswich Town FA Youth Cup-winning skipper, Chris Casement, is another who will be at Victory Road this season after penning a deal.

Pre-season fixtures have been announced, while season tickets have been going well ahead of what promises to be another exciting season of action at Leiston.