Stoke City goalkeeper Steve Simonsen has said the team spirit amongst the squad convinced him to stay.
Rapport key to Simonsen stay
Stoke City goalkeeper Steve Simonsen has said it was the team spirit amongst the squad that convinced him to stay at The Britannia Stadium.
The 28-year-old recently signed an extension to his contract keeping him with the club until 2010.
Simonsen, who joined City from Everton in 2004, has expressed his delight at the new deal and revealed the spirit at the club left him in no doubt as to his future.
"The rapport with the players and the fans is good and that makes it so enjoyable for me," he told
skysports.com.
"I'm totally happy at the club and really enjoy coming in every day, and that's a more important factor than the extra security a new contract brings."
High standard
Simonsen only missed one league game in the past two seasons and still feels he has a lot more to contribute.
"I've been delighted with the way I've played over the last three years," he added.
"I don't think anyone could grumble because I've put everything into playing for this football club and performed to a standard people want.
"But I can always improve and will continue trying to do that over the next three years of my contract.
"I'm happy to stay and that's why I've signed the new deal."
