Justin Donawa has ended speculation over his immediate future after signing a new one-year deal to remain with Solihull Moors.

The 26-year-old was reportedly attracting the interest of Vanarama National League rivals Southend United over a possible free transfer with his previous two-year deal at the ARMCO Arena expiring at the end of the campaign.

However, the Bermuda forward will remain with Solihull for the upcoming season having agreed fresh terms with the club.

“I’m pleased to get it done,” he told the club’s official website. “You can see what this group is capable of, unfortunately coming up just a touch short of our goal of getting promoted.

“I think with this core group and another few additions, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with, so I’m looking forward to getting going.”

Having made an encouraging start to last season, making 16 appearances for Neal Ardley’s side in all competitions, scoring twice, Donawa’s campaign was cut short after suffering a fractured distal fibula in his ankle last December.

With the versatile forward sidelined, Solihull agonisingly missed out on promotion to Sky Bet League Two, going down 2-1 after extra time against Grimsby Town in the play-off final.

Having been rewarded with a new deal, Donawa, despite his injury setback is now aiming to repay the faith shown in him by his manager and the club’s board.

“I dealt with the injury the best I could and now it’s time to continue building my fitness and working my way back into the group, which I’m looking forward to,” he added.

“I’m very thankful to everyone involved at the club for keeping me on board and believing in what I can do on the pitch.

“I missed a big chunk of the second half of last season and it was frustrating to be on the sidelines because obviously you want to be out helping in any way possible.

“However, I’m just thankful and hopefully I can build on the start I had last season and take it into the upcoming season because I think good things are coming.”

With the new season looming, Donawa is hopeful of being involved in preseason as he aims to help the club get off to a strong start and challenge for promotion once again.

“It’s been an interesting journey,” he said on his injury setback. “I was starting to work my way back in but like with all long-term injuries like this there are bound to be little niggles and I know it is going to take time for things to heal and get back to normality.

“I’ve been pretty positive on getting back on the pitch. I’ve accepted the challenge and I should be overcoming it very soon.

“In some capacity I’m definitely looking forward to getting a few minutes hopefully if everything goes to plan.

“The gaffer has made it clear that he is prepared to be a little bit more patient with me to make sure when I do come back in I’m there for the season.

“Hopefully we can start the season better than the last because if you can see where we ended up, if we have a better start I think it will show signs of a promising season.“