Bolton plays on with Heart

The 36-year-old goalkeeper has agreed a new contract with the club, heading off any prospect of a move to the new West Sydney franchise.

After a superb season in which he won the club's player of the year award, Bolton has put aside early season concerns about his fitness.

The club's medical staff have come up with a program allowing him to manage his body through the week to be at his peak for games - proved successful by his form in helping the Heart make their first A-League finals series.

Bolton clocked up his 450th national league match last season, as well as moving into second place on the all-time list.

But he would need to play several more seasons to break Alex Tobin's record of 522.

Bolton said playing under former Socceroos and Sydney FC teammate John Aloisi, who will coach the Heart next season, was pivotal in his decision.

"I'm looking forward to the next stage of the Heart's evolution," Bolton said.

"I really want to be a huge part of John Aloisi's first big step as a head coach and make sure he has all the support we can give him as a playing group."

Bolton's decision to play on sets up an intriguing situation for the Heart, who signed Brisbane Roar back-up Andrew Redmayne mid-last season as the veteran's probable successor.