LOYALTY in football is rare commodity these days, but Shortwood United captain Joe Tryner has nailed his colours to the Meadowbank mast.

Committing his future to United, Tryner thinks his side can now have a crack at promotion.

Despite relegation from the Toolstation Western Premier Division, Tryner was Shortwood’s standout player last season, the defender scooping the manager’s player, players’ player and supporters' gongs at the Nailsworth club’s end of season awards.

And Tryner is energised by the arrival of new joint-manager Mat Blythe, who will work alongside Jason Scrivens at the Meadowbank club.

Shortwood will play in the Hellenic League Division One West next season with four promotion spots up for grabs.

“I’m really happy to be staying for another season, although Joey Tustain stepped down from the management side, Matt Blythe coming in is a big addition," said Tryner, who is studying sport and exercise science at Gloucestershire University, and combines this with a work placement role at Forest Green Rovers under head of fitness Tom Huelin.

Shortwood are a perfect fit for Tryner as he juggles his studies and commitments with near neighbours Forest Green.

He said: “I’m continuing my internship with Forest Green next season, so it’s going to be a case of balancing the two again.”

Tryner is confident Shortwood can kick-on next season.

He added: “ Last season was tough as expected with the situation of starting from scratch, but it’s looking like the club is really starting to come together now and ready to have a good go next season.

“If we can get a few new faces in, I see no reason why we can’t challenge for promotion.

“The new joint-manager (Mat Blythe) has already called me to introduce himself and I can’t wait to get started when we return to pre-season training on June 17.”