After conversations between the Club and Alex, the situation has been resolved and both Club and player can now move forward and concentrate on the season ahead and the goals set.

Alex said "After careful consideration I decided to withdraw the transfer request that I placed with the club last season. I have had 4 great years at Harlow and have progressed and developed as a player. I feel that going forward this is the club to be at if I am to progress further and be successful, both individually and as a team. We came close to the playoffs last season and believe that we can go one better and make them as a minimum in 2017-2018.

"We have a good squad and with the additions made in the summer together with the best supporters in the league, I really see us being able to challenge once again this season. I would like to thank the supporters for their continued support and hopefully we can make them proud again this season with another promotion. I would also like to thank both the gaffa and Tom Cunningham in their understanding of the matter and for resolving the situation."

Manager Danny Chapman added "I am pleased that the situation is resolved and we can plan on the season ahead. Alex has been a great servant for the club in recent seasons and I have no doubt that he will continue to do so in the seasons ahead. Obviously we did not want Alex to leave but I am a great believer in if a player does not wish to remain at the club, then I will not stand in their way as long as it is right for the football club.

"It takes a lot for a player to change their mind but after our conversations with Alex it was apparent that it is only beneficial for the Club and Alex to continue its relationship going forward. Alex is one of the best strikers in the league and have no doubt that he will be hitting 30 goals as a minimum again this coming season. He has come back in great shape and is very hungry for the season ahead."

Alex Read joined the Hawks in July 2013 and broke the Club's scoring record with 52 goals in one season. He has since gone on to represent the Club 219 times, scoring 159 goals in the process.