Pedlars boss Paul Hunt has praised the role of the club’s unsung heroes after agreeing to manage Swaffham Town next season.

Hunt will begin his third campaign in charge of the Ridgeons First Division side in August following a “positive” meeting with the club’s committee and chairman on Saturday.

The Liverpool fan admits he is excited about Swaffham’s future and believes the club’s infrastructure gives the Shoemakers Lane outfit every chance of progressing up the non-league ladder.

Hunt said: “I had a good chat with the members of the committee and the chairman and we all agreed that it takes time to build something. “It’s now starting to come together because we’ve got a great committee, a good bunch of players and excellent managers throughout the club - I’m excited about next year already.

“There’s been progression here and it’s a lovely place to be. Everybody puts in so much hard work and the club’s full of good people.

“There are so many unsung heroes, like Ray Ewart, who are real stalwarts of this club. Among many things he is our match-day official and will then jump behind the bar after the game.

“People like him allow me to concentrate on the football and they support everything I do which helps. They’re the backbone of this club and it’s so much easier to manage the side when everyone is pulling in the same direction off the pitch.”

Hunt believes the progress of young players like Tom Bailey - who has played for the under-18s, A-team, reserves and first team this season - means it’s been another positive campaign for the mid-table Norfolk club.

“We always go that extra mile to try and develop players - some of the lads we’ve got here nobody would have looked twice at a year or two ago,” said Hunt.

“We’ve got a new strength and conditioning coach in called Graham Moore and he’s really helped give us another dimension in the past few weeks. We’re fitter and stronger now and it’s brilliant to have him on board.

“I want the lads to stay together because I believe we can achieve things. Injuries have decimated us this season but when everyone’s fit, and with the strides we’ve made, I believe we’ve got every chance of pushing for promotion next season.”

Chairman Wayne Hardy said he was “delighted” with the news that Hunt is staying on.

Swaffham - who were without a game at the weekend - host title-chasing Godmanchester Rovers on Saturday (3pm).

Scott Voutt and Blake Stangroome are still injured but Richard Cornwall is close to a return. Will O’Brien is doubtful with a groin problem.