“Retaining Conor was paramount to this project. He is one of the most talented young players at this level and I am looking forward to working with him,” said Lynch.

“Conor possesses the talent to play at a higher level and if he listens and learns from the senior players we have within the squad I have no doubt he will achieve this.

“He understands this is the right club with the right personal to aid his development and I am delighted he is committed for next season.”

Blackpool-born Gaul netted 16 times for the Blues last season after signing from Atherton Collieries.

The former Colne and Kendal Town wideman became a firm favourite at Shawbridge with his ability to beat a man and eye for goal as he helped spearhead the push for a play-off place.

And after joining Terry Cummings in committing for next season, the 24-year-old Darwen based forward – who also has experience of playing in the Maltese league – is seen as a key man in the Blues’ plans to build on last season’s sixth-place finish in the campaign curtailed by Covid-19.

“Conor is another one we are very pleased to be welcoming back into the group for the next campaign,” said director of football Carl Garner.

“David knows him very well and we all have high expectations of Conor kicking on yet again from last season’s performances and making a real name for himself.”

As well as securing the futures of Gaul and Cummings, Lynch has also brought in the experienced trio of Billy Priestley, Danny Pilkington and Ross Dent to bolster his defensive, midfield and attacking options since replacing Phil Brown in the Shawbridge hotseat earlier this month.

And the player-manager – who will also strengthen the Blues’ midfield options by filling a dual role – is close to completing another signing to further strengthen ahead of the new campaign.