21-year-old midfielder Luke Joyce has agreed a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him at Brunton Park until the summer of 2009.

Joyce intially joined United, from Wigan, in March 2006 and quickly earned himself a contract following some impressive appearances with the Reserve team.

A run of games towards the end of the 2006/07 season brought him his first goal for the club, in a 5-0 victory over Gillingham, and he quickly established himself as a regular choice in the centre of midfield.

Although appearances were restricted last season, he remained an important part of the squad, and John Ward moved quickly to secure his signature once more as the campaign drew to a close.

The United manager told us: "Luke will sign his contract when he comes back in to work on Thursday, and we're all delighted about that. I've had a good chat with him, and he is more than happy here at the club. He is in a very tough position because midfield, certainly in terms of numbers, is our strongest area. He knows that, he's seen that for himself with the way that things went last year, and he knows that it is difficult to break in when we have that kind of situation. The fact is, I like Luke Joyce a lot. He has a terrific attitude, he works extremely hard and he has that added asset that he can score goals as well. That is a big attribute to have, and it is not something that I wanted to let go."

"He has made it clear that he wants to stay" he said, "and he is determined to fight for a starting place. I've told him, like I've told them all, that when they get back here on Thursday it is a level playing field. Basically it is every man for a starting place, and it is down to them all to put the work in to secure it. If Luke Joyce emerges as one of our best midfield players, then the place is his. He understands that, and I know that he is prepared to take on that challenge."

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