TOUGH-tackling full-back, Paul Boertien has put pen to paper on a new deal at the Banks's Stadium.

The 29 year-old joined the club from Derby County last summer and showed his quality despite being laid low with a couple of injury set-backs during the course of the season. "I am pleased to get my contract sorted," he said. "I was very keen to stay here; it's a good club with some talented young players coming through who will only benefit from their experiences over the past season.

"With the right manager and the right signings, there is no reason why we can't push on and do very well next season.

"There is a lot to look forward to here. It's a fresh start for everyone and with the new training ground almost in place, it's an exciting time to be involved with the club.

"From a personal point of view it is important that I get a full pre-season under my belt and then kick-on from there. I missed the final games of the season with a broken toe, but I have started running again over the past four or five days and I will be fully fit and raring to go when training starts."

Like everyone associated with the club, Boertien is awaiting the appointment of the new manager with great interest. "It's such an important decision," he added. "That is why the Board are taking their time to make sure it is the right man for the job.

"I am looking forward to working with whoever the new man is and showing him what I am capable of."

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