Flint is pleased to have Tim back on board at Witham

The 22-year-old former Arsenal trainee has turned down the advances of several other clubs to stay with Witham and Flint is pleased to have a key member of his squad back on board.

Monsheju made 48 appearances for Town last season and scored 16 goals, but Flint believes he can eclipse that this year.

He said: "It's good news that we've got Tim agreeing to stay with us.

"It's a bit of a coup for us as I know a couple of other clubs were speaking to him but Witham is a good fit for him.

"He was enjoying himself last year and I think he learned a lot playing with us, but he feels he has more to offer.

"He got to 12 to 13 goals quite quickly last year and he'll be looking to add to that this year.

"To keep your top goal scorer is a big coup as not many teams of our size would be able to do that.

"Those types of players tend to move on and I'd like to think it's down to us as a club that we've managed to hold on to Tim.

"He was training with a few teams over the summer but he felt Witham was the best fit for him.

"I have no doubt that he will play at a higher level in his career.

"He is only 22 and has plenty of time but I think he has learned that there are players who keep changing clubs and don't progress in the same way.

"If he gets 20 to 30 goals next season with us then he can propel himself to the next level and he knows he doesn't just have to jump for now."

However, while Monsheju has stayed put with Witham, another member of last season's squad - Ryan Charles - has decided to move on and has signed for Bostik League division north Essex rivals Canvey Island.

Flint was hoping that most would follow Monheju's example, though.

He said he had 35 players to their first pre-season training session last weekend and was hoping to finalise signing on deals with players this week as they continue preparations for the coming campaign.