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Manager Gary Norton was pleased with the news that ensures that Hood and Blenkinsopp's immediate futures have been secured at the Moat Ground.

He said: "Budget wise we have cut our cloth accordingly this year after last seasons financial problems so I feel we did very well to get Jamie and David to sign for us in the first place but on a positive note, we have just brought the Moat Ground and the financial issues at the club last year have been resolved so we are definitely heading in the right direction off the pitch.

"On the pitch we are very much a team in transition and whilst we are probably not going to challenge for the league this year, we are trying to re-build a decent, young squad capable of challenging the top sides again and we are not about to let others clubs come in and take their pick of our best players at their leisure."

Norton added: "Both Jamie and David have been absolutely brilliant for us so far this season. They were both with a Conference North club in the summer but couldn't be guaranteed being a regular part of things and we managed to persuade them to come here and see how things developed.

"They have started the season in excellent form and that has been reflected in them being offered contract terms to secure their short-term futures with us.

"Jamie played for me here a couple of years ago and since he left he has had two seasons at the same step in the pyramid with Sutton Coldfield Town in the Southern League. He has always been an excellent central defender but last time round his temperament was an issue.

"However, he's 23 now and he has matured significantly in his game both on and off the pitch in the last two seasons. His temperament has improved so much we gave him the captaincy and he has revelled in the role of skipper and the responsibility that brings both on and off the pitch and he is really enjoying his time with us. He is a massive hit in the dressing room and with our supporters and has a bright future in the game ahead of him."

Meanwhile 20-year-old Blenkinsopp also returned to the club early in the season after two successful spells last year on loan from Nuneaton Borough. He also has started the season in great form scoring in 7 of his 8 games so far this season.

Norton added: "David joined us after the start of the season after not getting much opportunity at Nuneaton during preseason due to injury. For that reason he didn't start playing till the 2nd week in September but since then he's scored 10 goals in his last 7 games for the club and it seems we have found a potential replacement for Aaron O'Connor who was our top scorer in each of the last three seasons.

"He is still young but is very strong on the ball and he has a tremendous work ethic. His attitude is very professional and he is constantly looking to improve all aspects of his overall game. Obviously other clubs are always on the prowl for anyone who scores a few goals at any level so we are delighted to have David contracted to us to ensure he gets the security and stability he needs to continue his good start here and develop his game further."

Norton added: "If I use Aaron O'Connor as an example; when he signed here for us not many clubs were willing to take a risk with him despite his obvious talent.

"We took him and gave him stability, good coaching and time to develop and take his game to the next level without putting pressure on him. He clicked and improved his game dramatically and in the end he got his dream of getting a full time contract with a professional club.

"We hope it can be a similar situation for Jamie and David in terms of them being given the headspace to develop their game further without pressure whilst with us. We have had lots of clubs watching our recent games and it was only going to be a matter of time before the 7 day approaches were coming in thick and fast for both players and that would have been both disruptive and unsettling for the players concerned and the club.

"Registering them as contract players means they both have the stability to continue their development without distraction and from the clubs point of view we are protected from bigger clubs pinching the backbone of our side from under our noses."