Central defender Richard Naylor has signed a new three-year deal which will keep him with the club until 2009. The 28-year-old is currently in his testimonial season.

The Leeds-born defender is the club's longest-serving player and had little hesitation in committing to remain at Portman Road: "I was obviously really pleased to be offered a new deal and it didn't take me long to make my mind up that I wanted to sign it.

"I'm in the last year of my current deal and I could have waited until I became a free agent next summer before making a decision.

"That can work for you or against you, but I always wanted to stay here and when the gaffer said he wanted me here for another three years then my mind was made up straightaway.

"I've had shorter term contracts over the last few years but now I have proved my fitness, shown that I can maintain a decent level of performance and established myself as a defender, this contract is perhaps reward for that.

"I feel I am playing the best football of my career at the moment and, if I can maintain the level of performance that warrants a place in the side, then maybe I will get the chance to see out my playing days here. If that happens I'd be delighted because I love playing for this club."

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