AFTER the captain's most recent interview with the Surrey Mirror, Chipstead received no less than six seven-day transfer requests for Dan Moody's services – but manager Steve Baker insists he's going nowhere.
Moody had a phenomenal first season at High Road, scoring 30 goals from midfield before being crowned the manager's player of the season at the club's end-of-season awards.
It was inevitable his stream of goals from the left wing would draw the attention of other clubs, but Moody has pledged his future to the Chips.
And Baker is looking forward to building a team around his free-scoring captain.
"Dan was one of the first players I wanted to speak to about next season and I was delighted he wanted to stay," the manager said. "It's well-known how many sides came in for him last season; I think it was nearly every side in the league in the end, apart from some of the far Kent ones.
"We haven't got the biggest budget but I think Dan feels part of it at Chipstead; he lives quite locally and he's really enjoying the captaincy.
"When I first came to the club I was braced to lose Dan because I knew he had strong connections to the former manager, but I was delighted when he stayed and making him captain was probably one of the best things we did."
And with the captain now committed for the coming season, Baker is hoping it has a knock-on effect.
"Dan was happy to commit for next season because we discuss that if we could keep most of the squad from last season, but then add another couple then we will be in a good position," Baker explained. "The first thing players ask me when I talk to them about next season is 'is Moods staying'? so I think that will have a knock-on effect.
"I've spoken to a few new players already but at this time in the season they all give the same sort of response so we'll know more nearer pre-season."
