ACCRINGTON Stanley striker Billy Kee admits the enjoyment factor was the main reason behind signing a new contract with the Reds.

The 25-year-old put pen to paper on a new deal until the summer of 2018 yesterday ending speculation that the frontman could leave the club at the end of the season.

Kee has scored 17 goals and contributed 13 assists for John Coleman's side so far this season to spearhead the Reds' League Two promotion push.

His form has attracted interest from plenty of other clubs but Kee admitted he was enjoying his football too much at the Wham Stadium to think about leaving.

“I’m delighted, my family are delighted and my mum and dad are delighted," Kee said.

"I’ve really enjoyed it this year. I’d probably say that it’s been my best year in football and that shows because I’m playing with enjoyment every game, the lads are great and the gaffer and Jimmy have been great."

And the former Burton Albion forward believes Stanley's team spirit is playing a key role in their charge for a place in League One next season.

The Reds head into this weekend's home clash with Cambridge United in fourth place, just a single point off the automatic promotion places.

And Kee said: "We’re all really enjoying it and you can see that.

"I enjoy coming in every day, I have a smile on my face and I don’t think that’s been the case for the last six or seven years of my career."

Kee initially joined Stanley in 2009 as a teenager on loan from Leicester City. His first spell at the club saw him score nine goals in 15 league starts before he joined Torquay United. He has also represented Burton, Scunthorpe and Mansfield.

And Stanley boss John Coleman is delighted to have tied his star striker down to a long-term deal.

"Billy's been really important to us this season," said Coleman.

"The onus of the way we play has never been on him to score all the goals but he's managed to score a lot as well as creating them for other players.

"He's led by example since coming back and the way he's led the line has been excellent.

"It's great news to have him here for another two years."

Kee is the fourth player to commit his future to the Reds in the past few months with defender Matty Pearson and midfield pair Sean McConville and Seamus Conneely also signing new contracts with the club.