CENTRE back Nathan Clarke today signed a new deal to keep him at the club until the summer of 2012.

The Halifax-born Academy product has started every game under new boss Lee Clark and has made a total of 266 appearances for the club since making his debut against Stoke in September 2001.

Talking to the club's website Clarke said "It really feels like we are getting somewhere - I wouldn't have signed otherwise. The spell I have comitted for will be a crucial time for my career, as I will be 28 in 2012.

"The club really need to be pushing forward and I think that the appointment of the manager and his backroom staff, the backing from the new chairman and the growing fanbase shows that this is the place to be."