Davies inks new Trotters deal

The Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies signs a new three-year contract, keeping him at the Reebok until 2011.

Bolton Wanderers' Kevin Davies, right, is challenged by Northampton Town's goalkeeper Mark Bunn.

BOLTON // The Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies has signed a new three-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2011. "Talks have been going on since the summer, so to get it signed means that I can now concentrate on my football," Davies told Bolton's official website. "It's taken a little bit longer than myself and the club would have liked, but negotiations ran pretty smoothly on both sides. I love playing for the club and I'm settled in the town." Davies, 31, joined Bolton in 2003 on a free transfer after he was released by Southampton after an ill-fated return to the club. He scored just three goals last season as Bolton struggled to avoid relegation, but his physical approach to the game and work ethic has made him a favourite with the Reebok Stadium fans who voted Davies their Player of the Season last term. Davies said the club's main priority this season is to avoid a repeat of last season's brush with relegation. "We are all working hard to make sure it doesn't happen again and we have to try and put ourselves back in the top half of the table," he said.

*AP