St Johnstone have been able to convince Michael Duberry to prolong his association with the club.
Centre-half pens new deal with SPL outfit
St Johnstone have been able to convince Michael Duberry to prolong his association with the club.
The experienced centre-half has agreed a one-year contract extension with the Scottish Premier League outfit.
Saints boss Derek McInnes had claimed towards the end of the 2009/10 campaign that there was no chance of persuading the former Chelsea man to stay put.
He was convinced that Duberry would look to return to England this summer to be closer to his family.
However, following extensive talks, the 34-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at McDiarmid Park until 2011.
"I really enjoyed my time with Saints last season and it was no secret that my biggest dilemma was my family situation," Duberry told the club's
official website.
"However, I've spoken at great length to the gaffer and my wife and we have mapped out a way forward and will make it work the best we can.
"I'm in the twilight years of my career and the opportunity to get a full season in the SPL and experience the stadiums and crowds which come with that is very appealing to me.
"I reckon I have been around 80 per cent fit so far after only getting limited action at Wycombe before joining Saints and so I'm keen to get a good pre-season and start the campaign fit and fresh.
"Maybe not a 'new-and-improved' me - I would need to take 10 years off for that to happen - but certainly fitter and ready to give my all."
McInnes added in the
Scottish Sun: "The big thing we had in our favour was I knew how much Michael was enjoying it here.
"He is a good pro and he will do things properly when he does get time back home. I've no worries on that score."
