KEY players Caine Elliott, Josh Thomas and Harrison Nee have all agreed to stay with Rugby Town ahead of the club’s first pre-season fixture.
Elliott and Thomas have both signed one-year deals at Butlin Road after previously deciding to move on following the club’s relegation last term.
And Harrison Nee will also remain with Valley after the club received a reprieve from relegation to remain in the Northern Premier League Midlands.
Rugby begin pre-season with a trip to Stratford Town on Tuesday, July 8.
Valley boss, Grant Joshua said: “It’s great to have all three on board and have the opportunity to work with them.
“At their ages and with their abilities, it’s obvious that they want to play as a high a level as they can, and they had offers to do so.
“Our reprieve has changed the landscape though, and they’ve all shown a strong desire to be a part of what the club are building towards.”
Thomas and Elliott have made more than 270 appearances for Valley between over the past six years.
And former Coventry City academy player Nee has also signed on for the 2025/26 campaign after almost ending his 15-month spell at Butlin Road.
Joshua added: “Caine’s someone that I’ve always wanted to work with and he should flourish this season in a more dynamic set-up.
“Josh gives us physicality and pace in defence to complement what we already have and he’s a real leader for someone so young.
“Harrison’s electric in wide areas and he’s full of potential. We’ve already identified how we can get even more from him and are working on this in pre-season.”
Valley have also confirmed the arrivals of midfielder Callum Griffin, striker Rivel Mardenborough and winger Cairo Taylor.
Winger Adam Hanson and defender Jack Bostock are also currently training with the club.
Rugby begin the competitive season in the FA Cup on Saturday, August 2.
Joshua added: “I’d always said that I wanted to start pre-season with a minimum of 20 [players] and then take it from there – which we achieved.
“Unless something extraordinary comes up now, our business is concluded and we’ll be working hard to fine tune what we have.”
