Mark Stafford feared he was heading for the exit door at Linfield.
The coronavirus pandemic has threatened to completely derail the current Danske Bank Premiership season.
It also could have prematurely ended Stafford's time at Windsor Park.
But now the experienced defender has been handed a new one-year deal by David Healy.
“I’m delighted to put pen to paper for Linfield for another season," Stafford told the club's website.
"I thought that the current unfinished season may have been my last but I’m really fortunate and grateful that the manager has asked me to stay on for another season.
"I’m feeling good and I want to give it a real good go next season and I just want to play my part in helping the club get among the silverware."
The 32-year-old defender - who joined Linfield from Ballinamallard United in 2015 - has been one of Healy's standout performers this season.
It has been a campaign which has galvanised Stafford's career at Windsor, and earned him a new deal.
"I just want to thank the manager for continuing to show faith in me and I’m so pleased to show my commitment to him, the club and of course our fantastic supporters who have always been so wonderful towards me," Stafford added.
"I can’t wait to get back to training with the lads and preparing to bring more success to a club that I’ve loved playing for.”
