WORCESTER City have confirmed skipper Brad Birch has committed himself to the club for the remainder of the season.
Fellow Midland League Premier Division title-chasers Bromsgrove Sporting failed in their bid to recruit the central midfielder after making an approach.
City waived the usual seven days so Birch could speak to Sporting boss Paul Smith but the player rejected the interest.
A club spokesperson said: “Discussions were held with Brad and it was clearly indicated, with no financial implications to Worcester City, that he wants to remain at the club .
“Brad Birch is and always has been club skipper since taking over from Tyler Weir earlier in the season and we look forward to many more good performances such as the one put in last Saturday.”
Sporting had targeted Birch after they had to rule out Liam Spink when he broke his leg in a Birmingham Senior Cup-tie against Nuneaton Town.
“Worcester have been great in letting us speak to him so quick,” said Rouslers manager Smith.
“Brad is a very good kid but Worcester came back with a fantastic deal which we cannot compete with.
“There are no hard feelings and I completely understand his decision to stay where he is.”
Snape described Birch as the ‘heartbeat’ of the side and, back after a four-game ban, he took a starring role in last weekend’s 4-1 win against Stourport Swifts at the Victoria Ground.
Worcester began positively and grabbed the lead after 19 minutes when player-boss Hughes nodded in from Dave Reynolds’ far post cross.
It was 2-0 moments later with Hughes converting from the rebound after his penalty had been saved.
A goalline clearance prevented Hughes getting a quickfire hat-trick before half-time.
With City bossing the game it was only a matter of time before they struck again, this time George Forsyth hammering home a free-kick from 25 yards.
Nick MacPherson gave Swifts hope with a goal 15 minutes from time but City substitute Mark Danks made it 4-1 after racing free.
City now have a two-week break from action before heading to AFC Wulfrunians on December 9.
* An Evening with Lee Hughes will take place at Cookley Village Hall and Sports Club in Lea Lane, Cookley on Friday, December 8. Tickets, including a meal, cost £20 and are available by calling 01905 23003