DAVID Hockaday insists mutual trust has helped him tie down five of his squad to lengthy contracts.

The Forest Green boss has persuaded former Watford midfielder Al Bangura, defenders Chris Stokes, Aarran Racine, Ed Asafu-Adjaye and goalkeeper Matt Bulman to pen deals to remain at the New Lawn until June 2014.

Hockaday said: "We're delighted to announce that five of our current players have extended their contracts with us.

"This is part of our grand design - we want to build and evolve into a strong club.

"We bring in young players and if they do well, we will extend their contracts. "The players have shown trust in us and we in turn have shown trust in them."