Kingstonian keeper Rob Tolfrey might not be preparing for another season at Kingsmeadow had the club’s board not honoured a promise made by his former manager.

The 27-year-old shotstopper will put pen to paper on a new deal to be Ks’ number one next term, despite being tempted to move elsewhere this summer.

Tolfrey struck an agreement with ex-Ks boss Alan Dowson, when he signed a new deal last term, that this year would feature a testimonial match for the Croydon roofer.

Dowson’s departure might have scuppered that plan, but the club – now managed by Tommy Williams – have stuck to their word and this summer’s pre-season clash with AFC Wimbledon on July 30 will be for the benefit of Kingstonian’s long-serving keeper.

Tolfrey has made more than 270- appearances in a near six-year spell at the club that has a Ryman Premier League play-off final appearance as its highlight.

The obvious low point came with his meltdown against Bognor Regis Town towards the end of last season, which brought with it a seven-match ban and the sort of headlines no non-League club would want to attract.

But Ks have stood by their man in the same way Tolfrey – who played out on pitch in the charity match at Walton Casuals’ Neil Hams Benefit Day last week, has remained loyal to them.

“It was an agreement I had last year with Dowse and the three chairmen have stuck by that word,” he said.

“I have had other offers on the table since the end of the season, but Ks have stood by me.

“It is very rare in non-League football that someone sticks around at a club for so long.

“Beating Sutton United in the play-off semi-final is still a highlight. Bobby Traynor still talks about that goal.

“Although we lost the final it was still a great achievement to get there.

“But the main highlight for me is just playing the amount of games for the club that I have.

“I think that is a testament to the way I look after myself and work at my game. I just enjoy playing for the club.”

Ks are expecting a strong Dons side to grace the Kingsmeadow pitch for the occasion in a repeat of the 2006 Surrey Senior Cup final – a match Ks won 1-0 thanks to a Martyn Lee free kick.

“It would be nice to get as many people through the gates as possible,” he added.

“I’ve agreed to reduce the admission prices because it will be a strong Dons team.”