Kenwyne Jones signs new Sunderland deal

27 January 2009 12:16
Jones has put pen-to-paper on a new four-and-a-half-year deal at the Wearside club, just days after Spurs had failed in a bid to secure his services with an offer of £16 million plus England striker Darren Bent. [LNB]Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said Jones would be the cornerstone of their long-term plans [LNB]"We are building a team for the long-term and Kenwyne is a big part of that," Quinn said. "In signing this new deal he's shown that he wants to be part of our future and believes in what Ricky (Sbragia) and the club are doing. [LNB]"In the current economic climate the figures banded around for Kenwyne have been staggering, but we have shown our intent to build a bigger and better club for the future by retaining our best players." [LNB]Manager Sbragia said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Kenwyne has committed to the club for the long-term. [LNB]"He's young with a great future ahead of him and has already proven himself to be a key player for us. [LNB]"The fact that we've had interest from top clubs shows how much of an asset he is and it's fantastic that he will be a Sunderland player for many years to come." [LNB]Jones was persuaded to join Sunderland from Southampton by then manager Roy Keane in Aug 2007 in a £6m deal. [LNB]The 24-year-old has scored seven league and cup goals from 16 games so far this season, after returning to action in October following rehabilitation from a serious knee injury. [LNB]He will spearhead Sunderland's attack in tonight's Premier League match with Fulham in the North-East.[LNB]Jones said: "I've been here for a year and a half already and I'm very settled. I would like to thank the club and the fans for giving me their fantastic support. [LNB]"The manager and the chairman have a vision for Sunderland and I'm looking forward to being part of that." [LNB][LNB]

Source: Telegraph