Skuse signs new three-year deal

City midfielder Cole Skuse has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal, tying him to the club until 2013.

The 24-year-old local lad was crowned City's Player of the Year last term and signs the deal after skippering the team Tuesday's 1-1 draw with IFK Gothenburg in Sweden.

"I got a phonecall from the club to say they had a new contract offer for me. It didn't take me long sign it at all," Skuse told bcfc.co.uk.

"I've always been a Bristol City fan, all my family and friends are based here. Some say to me I'm stuck in the comfort zone, but that's not true.

"We're in the Championship, pushing for the Premier League with a new manager and everything about the club - including the new training ground and stadium - is moving in the right direction."

City manager Steve Coppell revealed yesterday that he sees Skuse as a future captain of the club.

Speaking on handing Skuse the captaincy during City's pre-season tour of Sweden, Coppell said: "Cole is a proud Bristolian, a local boy and it wasn't a big decision to make, it was the right move in the situation.

"There are players who you admire for being good, solid professionals and Cole is one of them.

"He can be as good as he wants to be. He's growing all the time."

City take on current Swedish league leaders Helsingborg tonight (5pm BST).

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