Team-mates shocked by deal - Delph

Fabian Delph has admitted his Aston Villa team-mates were shocked to hear he had signed a new deal.The England midfielder has penned a four-and-a-half year contract to commit himself to the club until 2019.He was out of contract in the summer and had been linked with a move away from the Barclays Premier League strugglers, who have battled relegation for the last three years.Boss Paul Lambert called it a coup for Villa and Delph revealed even the squad was surprised."The lads are absolutely delighted. As soon as I told some of them they looked at me shocked to start with," he said."They see a lot in me and how dedicated I am and how I want to push on. They're delighted to keep someone like me here."I see them as family, brothers, I'd run through a brick wall for them. They're not just team-mates."Villa chief executive Tom Fox played a key role in convincing Delph to stay and believes the 25-year-old has bought into his vision."We are so pleased to keep one of our best young players. It says a lot about him too and his faith," said Fox."This club is on a journey and it's my job to talk to as many people and convince them it's not where we are."Fabian and I have had many conversations and he believes in this journey. There were a lot of interested clubs. We've got a top young player here."The top five clubs are in a much better place financially."

Source: PA