MATT Urwin will take his number of appearances between the sticks for Chorley past 150 after signing a contract for next season.

The former Blackburn Rovers trainee has played 149 times for the club, keeping 49 clean sheets, across two loan spells and his current permanent stint and has signed up for the 2021/22 campaign.

The National League North season was cut short because of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year, just two games after the Magpies’ heroic FA Cup run came to an end with a narrow defeat to Premier League side Wolves.

The 27-year-old first signed for the club in 2017 and is looking for further success with the club, while boss Jamie Vermiglio is delighted to secure his services.

“You simply don’t get any better a goalie at this level. His importance to the team cannot be understated and we’re absolutely delighted to have him on board for fifth season,” the Magpies boss said.

Urwin is the seventh player to commit their future to the Magpies for the 2021/22 season.

With captain Scott Leather, Andy Halls and former Rovers duo Adam Henley and Willem Tomlinson all agreeing to extend their stays at Victory Park, central defender Lewis Baines and experienced forward Andy Owens will also be back.

Connor Hall, one of the heroes of that FA Cup run, is already under contract for the new season but is looking to build on what the club achieved before the season was cut short due to Covid-19.

The 23-year-old bagged eight goals in 18 games for the Magpies last season – including three in the FA Cup – having signed permanently in December following an initial loan move from Woking.

“It was great to return to Victory Park in October and I was delighted to commit my long-term future to the club after my initial loan spell,” said the former Bolton Wanderers striker.

“I can’t wait for the new season to get going and build on what we started last season.”