FANS favourite Andy Booth has signed a new one-year Town contract.
New manager Stan Ternent moved quickly to make the 34-year-old striker a central part of the squad he hopes will take the Galpharm club to the Championship.
Ternent, whose right-hand man Ronnie Jepson played alongside Booth for Town in the side which won promotion to what is now the Championship in 1995, spoke to the 175-goal ace individually after addressing the players yesterday.
The upshot was a quick agreement to keep Booth, who was due to be in League I action against Walsall at the Galpharm today, at his hometown club for the centenary campaign.
“I knew he was out-of-contract,” explained Ternent, who has 15 other squad members in the same situation.
“I was keen to get something sorted as quickly as possible and I’m delighted he’s accepted the deal.
“I see him as an integral part of the squad for next season, and it’s great news that he will be staying with the club.
“Andy Booth epitomises the type of player I like to deal with.
No-one can doubt his commitment to the club, but he’s also good enough to keep going. He’s what I term a proper player, and that’s why I wanted him to sign.”
Booth, who netted his 141st Town goal to seal last week’s 1-0 home win over Tranmere and is the club’s third-highest scorer ever, said: “It’s a great time to sign a new contract.
“There’s a new manager, a new chairman to come in, and it’s our centenary year.
“We’re all looking forward to next season, and we’re all aiming to make it a successful one.”
On his new boss, Booth said: “He’s got huge experience and some great ideas, and I think he’s the right man to take the club forward.
“I’ve obviously known Ronnie Jepson for a long time, and he was very helpful to me when I was a young player.
“He’s got a lot of passion for the game and it’s great to see him back at the club.
“He’s been at a number of places, but deep down I think he’s a Town supporter, and I think he’ll do well here.”
Town were hoping for another good day of cut-price season ticket sales.
So far 6,000 have been snapped up, and Booth added: “Playing in front of big home crowds can only help us get to where we want to be.”
