Phil Bardsley extends Sunderland contract
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has extended his contract with the club by three-and-a-half years, which will keep him in the North East until 2014.
The former Manchester United player has made nine appearances for the club this season and would have seen his previous deal expire next summer had he not signed on.
"Obviously there's a decision myself and the board have had to make and to be fair to Phil he has done very, very well. The last thing we wanted to do was to let Phil run into a Bosman [free transfer]
situation," said Sunderland manager Steve Bruce.
Bardsley has a number of qualities as a defender, which will ensure he continues to do well at the Premier League club. Any side that would now like to sign him will have to pay a big transfer fee.
A quality player
Bardsley is an integral part of the Sunderland back four. He likes to get forward in a similar fashion to Chelsea's Ashley Cole and provides extra width to the Sunderland team when the side is on the attack.
The full back is also a very versatile player, which is important. His best position is down the right but he can fill in on the left flank and isn't a stranger to playing in the middle of the defence
when needed. His physical fitness means he can run up and down the wing for an entire game.
Bardsley will have a lot of admirers but the club has now guaranteed that he will not leave on the cheap or for free. This means any side that wants to sign Bardsley will have to pay the going rate for
a positive and productive full back.
"I'm delighted to be able to stay. Being part of the manager's plans is great and I'm enjoying my football," added the player.
Betting advice
An in form Phil Bardsley will give Sunderland a better chance of winning more matches because the side is conceding fewer goals. Never be afraid to have a punt on Sunderland winning when Bardsley is in
the team, looking fit and playing well.
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