Wilkinson signs Stoke deal

Wilkinson: Stoke defender has been handed new long-term deal

Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2014.

“This has capped an amazing few days for me.”
Andy Wilkinson on his new contract Quotes of the week

The 26-year-old has been rewarded for his fine form this term with a three-year extension at the Britannia Stadium.

Wilkinson has established himself as a key member of Tony Pulis’ side since making his debut in the 2003/04 season.

Pulis believes Wilkinson fully deserves his new contract and has backed him to play a big role in the future.

“This could go down as one of the most successful seasons in the club’s long history and at a time like this it is important that we look after those players who have helped get us where we are today,” Pulis told the club’s official website.

Deserving

“Andy is certainly one such player deserving of that recognition and I am sure that he has an equally vital role to play in our future.”

Wilkinson, who helped Stoke reach the FA Cup final for the first time in their history last weekend against Bolton, admitted the new contract was a perfect end to a memorable week.

“This has capped an amazing few days for me,” said Wilkinson. “Being a local lad, it’s always been a dream of mine to play for this club, never mind having the chance now to play in an FA Cup Final following our win at the weekend.

“It’s been remarkable to see the progress this lub has made in my time here and I am excited about what the future holds in store for us.”