TOM MATHEWS has handed Brighouse Town a big boost by committing himself to the Northern Counties East League club for another campaign.

And boss Paul Quinn is hoping the prolific striker can help the Dual Seal Stadium side go one better than last season by winning promotion to the Northern Premier League.

Huddersfield-based hitman Mathews (inset) bagged 36 league goals – and 45 in all – as Brighouse, league members for just five seasons, finished runners-up to Scarborough.

The ex-West Riding County Amateur League ace now has 73 since moving from Storthes Hall in November 2011.

Not surprisingly, the goalscoring feats of the former Meltham player have attracted a host of higher-level clubs.

So Quinn is delighted Mathews, and a number of others who helped former Works League and County Amateur club enjoy the best season in their 50-year history, are staying put.

“A lot of speculation has understandably surrounded Tom after a sensational scoring record last year,” said Quinn, the son of hugely experienced ex-Emley and Altrincham manager Gerry and the grandson of former Town manager Ian Greaves.

“I’m delighted that, despite offers from other clubs, Tom has committed to Brighouse for another year.

“As with a large part of last season’s squad he believes in the vision we have for the club moving forward and he is focused on achieving further success here.”

Quinn continued: “As well as playing staff I am delighted we have continuity amongst the coaching and support team.

“The staff have been instrumental in moving the club forward over the last 12 months, and we are planning to sustain our progress as a top NCEL club.

“We are always aiming to build a squad capable of competing in the level above because ultimately that is the club’s and my ambition.

“We know it is a tough league to get out of. Having accumulated 97 points last time round, we know full well how challenging it is to go up.

“But I am a big believer things happen for a reason and in a way I don’t think overall as a club we were quite ready to move up.

“Several teams will be targeting the top spot and it would be naive of anyone to rule us out of the equation.”

Brighouse have already fixed up seven friendlies ahead of a season which starts on Saturday, August 10.