Scharner signs twelve month extension

Last updated : 31 July 2008 By Paul Farrington
New deal: Paul Scharner
The Austrian international defender has impressed during his tiem with the Latics both in midfield and more recently in defence. Supporters will no doubt be delighted by his decision to remain with the club for a further year.

Scharner himself told the club's official website: "I have never hidden my ambition as a player. That is what has been driving me forwards all my career. I believe that in order to progress you have to be totally dedicated to what you do.

"I feel that the club has really progressed over the last few months. They got the opportunity to appoint a really top coach and that is what happened when Steve arrived.

"Now I feel the club has another opportunity to really progress this season and I want to be a part of that.

"It is fantastic that we have managed to keep hold of the best performers in the team this summer and to bring in some real quality acquisitions. Now we all need to move forward together in the future and I am very happy to say I will be here to enjoy the ride!"

With only Emmerson Boyce left to tie up their longer term futures with the club, Steve Bruce has not only added epth to the squad, but managed to maintain the core reasons behind last seasons revival.

Certainly, Wigan supporters are in optimistic mood ahead of the new campaign.