IT was a summer of contemplation for Forest Green Rovers defensive man Tom Bender after the 22-year-old defender agreed a new six-month contract with the club last Thursday.

The former Colchester United man was offered a short-term deal after the final game of last season, but has taken until this week to commit his near future to The New Lawn.

Now though it’s official that he will continue as a FGR player and he’ll be fully focussed on making sure he builds on his involvement in the final months of last season.

“I’m happy to finally get the deal done and dusted. It was never a case of me wanting to leave the club. It was more to do with things off the pitch,” he said.

“I’ve got a young family that I need to look out for and look after their best interests.

“There was something else taken out of my hands that almost put this deal in jeopardy. But it was never a case of me wanting to leave. I wanted to stay here. Once I was back in the country I finally got it signed.”

Bender is set to become a father later this year so had a lot of thinking to do in the close season.

The opportunity to remain in full time football is key to his development, and he’s hoping it will increase his chances of earning a longer-term deal in Ady Pennock’s squad.

“Every professional footballer wants to stay full time. Unfortunately some have to go part-time and I’m just lucky enough that the gaffer wanted me here and I got the chance to stay full time,” he added.

“If I play well then the chances are I will get a longer and more improved contract till the end of the season or whenever. If I don’t play well I’ll pack my bags and be on my way.

“It works in my favour as well. I’ve got a baby due in December. That’s when my contract is up so it gives me something else to look towards to look after my family.”

Carrying Football League experience from time at Accrington Stanley, Millwall and Colchester, as well as in non-league with Chelmsford City, Dartford and Welling United, he’ll face competition to battle his way in to the starting eleven this coming season.

He may be forced to demonstrate his versatility if he’s to make an impression in Pennock’s plans, but after injury ruled him out of possible involvement in last season’s play-offs, he’s just happy to be back fit and available for selection.

“I started playing here more as a midfielder. It’s not what I’m used to playing but I’ve played there a fair bit over the years but my main position is left back.

“I’m glad I got to play there towards the end of the season. The injury came at an unfortunate time but I’ve worked over the summer to put that behind me and hopefully I can push on.”