Jackson rejects new contract

Last updated : 23 May 2007 By Paul Farrington
Matt Jackson in our division two days
The thirty-five year old defender was offered an extension to his current deal ahead of both Arjan De Zeeuw and David Unsworth who were released last week.

Jackson told the club's official website: "The Club will always have a special place in my heart because of the wonderful journey we embarked upon from Division Two to the Premier League.

"The time is right for me to play my football elsewhere and I believe that the Club can bring in new faces under Chris Hutchings who will push it on to a new level next season. The players, staff and fans have been wonderful and I'd like to thank them all for their help and loyalty over the past six seasons."

One of the longest serving members of the current squad, Jackson may have struggled to hold down a place in the first team next season and has decided to move on.

There is no doubt that the former Everton and Norwich defender will be missed by both his fellow players and also the supporters. And supporters of the club will wish Jackson all the best for the future.