Chris Wilder says that Jake Wright’s new contract is great news for club and player alike.

And while delighted that his captain will be at the club for up to 2015, the Oxford United manager says that the former Bradford and Brighton defender will get even better.

Wright this week agreed a new deal that extends his present one-and-a-half year deal by up to another two seasons.

And Wilder says that the deal works both ways – by keeping the club and player safe in the knowledge that he is going nowhere.

“I think there was a lot of people surprised when we first brought him in and questioned the decision to let Luke Foster go and to bring Jake in,” Wilder said.

“He got over that initial period of uncertainty, but he has really cemented a place here with his performances for the football club during his time here.

“He’s a left-sided centre half, which is important for the way we play, and he has been a big part of what we have achieved here.

“Having said that, he is still learning and can get even better.”

Wilder admitted that there has been interest in Wright from other clubs, but confirmed that no firm offers have ever been received for the centre back.

And just as the U’s have done with James Constable and Ryan Clarke over the past season, Wilder is delighted to tie a big player to a long-term deal.

“It is one of those that means that Jake has been rewarded for what he has done here, and the club have secured a very good player to stay for a decent amount of time.

“He is a player who sees the club progressing, and wants to progress with the club.”

“When you speak to other people in football, Jake Wright is a name that comes up a lot.

“We reward Jake in terms of an extension and we protect ourselves from other clubs wanting him.

“Yes, we have had bits and pieces (of interest). People have asked about him and his situation.

“We have had no firm bids, we haven’t had to turn any down, but we have had interest in him, yes.

“But the most important thing is that myself and the coaching staff think he is a very good player and both the football club and the player want him to continue to be a very good player here in the future.”