PETER JACKSON today agreed a new deal with Danny Schofield - then challenged the midfielder to regain a regular Town berth.
The 25-year-old, who would have been out of contract this summer, has signed two-year terms which will stretch his record as promotion-chasing Town's longest-serving player.
Recruited by Jackson from South Yorkshire minnows Brodsworth during his first managerial stint, Schofield made his debut in the 0-0 home draw with Crewe on the last day of the 1998-99 Division I (now Championship) campaign.
His appearance as a substitute in Saturday's 2-2 League I draw with his hometown club Doncaster was Schofield's 207th in Town colours.
He has played 36 times this season, scoring 10 goals, but hasn't started since the 3-2 home win over Oldham seven matches ago.
"This has dragged on for a while, but I'm delighted to announce that Danny has agreed his new deal," said Jackson of a player who has netted 39 times in all.
"He always wanted to stay here, but he wanted to make sure he was happy with every detail, which is fair enough.
"Danny and I have known each other a long time now, and I'm really pleased he will be staying.
"He's always been a first-rate professional with a good attitude to training , and on his day, he is a very talented player.
"His aim now has to be to get back into the side and play the way we know he can.
"Danny was very consistent at the start of this season, and while he has lost that element of his play lately, it could be because the contract situation was hanging over him.
"Now it's all sorted, Danny can focus fully on his football, and hopefully this will settle him down again, because on his day, he can be a real match-winner."
Striker Pawel Abbott today remained under treatment for the back strain which kept him out of yesterday's 3-2 Reserve win against Sheffield United.
Midfielder Michael Collins returned after a knee injury to play the full 90 minutes, and score a goal.
Town dropped to third in League I as a result of Brentford's 2-1 away victory at Yeovil last night.
Town have also sold out their allocation of tickets for Friday night's trip to Hartlepool.
