CALUM WOODS set his sights on bigger and better things with Town after signing a contract extension.
The 25-year-old defender has committed himself to the John Smith’s Stadium until the summer of 2014, and Town have the option of an additional year.
Woods signed from Dunfermline Athletic in the summer of 2011, and is ready to battle both Jack Hunt and Paul Dixon to add to his 40 Town appearances so far.
“I think I’ve really improved as a player under Simon Grayson and the management team here and I want to keep working hard to improve during the future,” said Woods, who was with Liverpool as a junior.
“There is a lot of competition for my positions in the current squad, but that is the same all over the pitch and its bringing the best out of the team.
“There are really good full-backs at this club like Paul Dixon and Jack Hunt, but when I get the opportunity to play I want to cement my place.
“I think I can do that, which is why I wanted to stay.”
Woods – who netted a penalty in the Wembley shoot-out win – added: “Town is the place I want to be, so it was an easy decision to extend my contract.
“The club has been moving in the right direction ever since I joined and I want to be a part of the future success”
Town boss Simon Grayson – who seemed unlikely to make further loan signings before today’s 5pm deadline – believes Woods has done well in his nine Championship appearances this term.
“Keeping the players we want at the club is just as important as bringing in new talent, so we’re delighted to secure his future because we want stability among our group of players,” said the boss (inset).
“He’s still only 25, too, and he’s continuing to improve and acclimatise to life in the Championship, so we’re expecting even bigger and better things to come from Calum over the next few years.
“His character is exactly what we want in the squad too; he’s a hard worker, a consummate professional and he is a good personality in the dressing room.”
