Source: Daily_Mail
Bates boost for Boro as local hero signs three-year deal to stay at the Riverside
Middlesbrough utility man Matthew Bates has signed a three-year contract extension to end speculation over his future. Â
The 22-year-old, who has been linked with Wolves, Wigan, West Ham and Fulham since Boro's relegation from the Barclays Premier League, has committed himself to the club until 2012. Â
That will come as a huge boost to manager Gareth Southgate, who used him both at the back and in central midfield following his return from a third cruciate ligament operation last season.Â
Southgate had made the Stockton-born player's retention one of his priorities as he plots a swift return to the top flight. Â
Chief executive Keith Lamb said: 'We are delighted Matthew has decided to commit his future to Middlesbrough.'
Bates, a member of the club's FA Youth Cup winning side in 2004, has endured an injury nightmare since breaking into the senior squad. Â
However, his form at the end of last season impressed Southgate, particularly when he was asked to plug a gap in the middle of midfield. Â
But the drop into the Coca-Cola Championship left Bates with a desperately difficult decision to make as his existing deal drew to a close. Â
Asked last month if staying at the Riverside was his preferred option, he said: 'Yes, it, of course it is. It's the club I support, it's the club my family support. But it's a big decision for my future as well. I am out of contract in the summer and ultimately, I would like to stay in the Premier League. Â
'It's going to be a very difficult decision to make either way whatever I do, and it is going to be an important one as well.'