Tuesday 21 May 2013

Talbot agrees new contract

Jason Talbot has become the latest first team player to commit his immediate future to the club by signing a fresh two year contract.

The new deal will extend Jason's stay to the summer of 2015, by which time he'll have been a Livingston player for seven years.

The 27-year old originally arrived at the club during Roberto Landi's short spell as a manager in 2008, and has since amassed 141 first team appearances.

That's a figure he looks set to increase considerably over the term of his new contract.

"I'm happy to have signed again because I enjoy being around the club and playing for Livingston," said the former Port Vale man.

"I've been at the club five years already and although there have been some tough times - like the recent injury - the players and staff at the club has been supportive and helped me through, which I'd like to thank them for.

"I'm settled in the local area, with my daughter here, so I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to carry on playing here."

Irlam born, Jason missed the majority of last season with a serious knee ligament injury before returning to action in the closing weeks of the season.

Now back to full fitness, Jason is already looking forward to completing a full pre-season build up and securing a regular place in Richie Burke's team come the start of the new season.

"Getting back to playing was the main thing for me last season, but I felt towards the last two or three games that I was back up to top speed," he added.

"In a funny sort of way it was disappointing that the season ended when it did, but it means I'll be ready to go for pre-season.

"I'll keep myself fit over the next few weeks and when it comes to starting back I'll be flying."

Assistant manager Mark Burchill expressed the management team's delight at securing Jason's services and filling a key berth in the squad for season ahead.

He said: "I love Jason's attitude to work and he was one of the first players Richie and myself spoke to about coming on board for next season.

"We're delighted he's chosen to stay with us because he had other offers elsewhere."