The Nailers squeezed through their play-off final against Mickleover 1-0 and promotion to the Evo-Stik Premier seems to have pushed Cole to reconsider his retirement plans.

Cole has struggled to adapt to Non-League football since leaving Derby County two years ago, and was left disappointed last summer when a move to a League Two club was scuppered.

But the sweet taste of victory has reinvigorated the wide man and, after having a short break, he intends to get back into training even earlier this summer.

Aaron said, "The thing was, I was not planning on playing next season!

"I've had a difficult season, but the manager and staff at Belper brought me in and they've treated me really well.

"It's a great bunch of lads and it's a great changing room, just everything about the club is amazing, so it's only right for me to go on and play for them next season, if they want me!

"I think I've got a lot of hard work to put in to get back to the player that I know I can be, sometimes it's difficult when you play part-time football because you're working in the day and training once or twice a week.

"It's all about putting the effort in and doing your own bits, which over the summer and next season I'm going to. Never say never, but I'm not pinning my hopes on anything happening."

Cole spent 12 years at Derby County before his Non-League adventure and sets himself high standards - and when he doesn't live up to them he is not afraid to say so.

"On a personal level, I wasn't happy with my performance in the play-off final. I would've liked to have played a lot better," he said

"But, for the things that didn't go right on the ball, I thought I made up for them off the ball.

“Even when it's not your day you still have to put the effort in."

Source: Non League Paper