The club is happy to announce, following confirmation in manager Alan Dowson's latest interview, that defender Paul Field and midfielder Mike Atkinson with both be a part of his squad for the 2026/27 season.
Field was an everpresent at the start of the season until a hamstring suffered against Hemel Hempstead in October 2025 saw him on the sidelines for an extended period. A mixture of precaution and getting back up to match speed meant he only returned towards the end of the season, but the defender still managed to rack up 29 appearances in all competitions, providing two assists and scoring that oh-so dramatic late winner at the Bev against Dagenham & Redbridge.
The 25-year-old was initially brought in as a centreback, but spent large parts of the season as a right wing back, with his athleticism and speed ensuring he did not look out of place on the flank. He even deputised on the left in the final games of the season as injuries took a toll on both Charlie Sayers and Eduino Vaz.
Field wrote the club, "I’m delighted to resign for next season. I’ve had some really positive conversations with the gaffer and the coaching staff about the club’s plans and ambitions for next season and I’m looking forward to being part of it!"
"Thank you to all the fans for your support this season, especially during some difficult periods. I’ve enjoyed my first year at the club and I can’t wait to kick on next season. See you all at the Bev soon!"
Mike Atkinson will turn out at the Bev for a third consecutive season after rejoining the Beavers in October following a short stint at Salisbury at the beginning of the 25/26 season.
The tough-tackling midfielder got better as the season went on and arguably had his best month of the season in April 2025, narrowly losing out on the Player of the Month Award, with Dowson adding in his interview he would have been his choice for Player of the Year.
He made 26 appearances, and went 90 minutes in six of the last seven matches.
Atkinson spoke with the club on his resigning, saying "I am extremely delighted to have signed on for next season, [I am] looking forward to seeing what we can build at this football club...I have played some good football over the last two years but equally it's been two very difficult seasons...So I think the aim for next season is to compete higher up the league table and I genuinely believe we can do that. I think it is an exciting place to be going into next season!"
In his latest interview, Dowson preached patience, saying "we have nearly three months to go until the season so let's not panic"
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Up The Beavers!