EMERGING midfield man, Richard Davies has put pen to paper on a new contract at the Banks's Stadium.

The 18 year-old has made three first-team appearances off the substitutes' bench this term as well as establishing a regular place in the engine room of the reserve team.

"I am delighted to sign this new deal," he said. "I have been here a long time and love the club.

"As well as playing regularly for the reserves, I have also been on the first-team bench 13 times this season and made three appearances. I would have taken that at the start of the season and it's good progress for me.

"I am determined to keep pushing on and will come back for pre-season training with a good attitude so that I can make my mark in the friendly matches."

Manager, Chris Hutchings is looking for Davies' development to continue. "He's been around the first-team squad this season and now we are looking for him to step up to the next level," he said. "There is plenty of hard work ahead for him but the ball is in his court now to show us what he is made of."

Davies' brother, Mark completed a £1million move from Wolves to Premier League Bolton Wanderers earlier in the season and Richard takes plenty of inspiration from that. "It just shows what can be done with hard work and application," he added. "It's great for Mark and I am trying my hardest to reach the level that he is at."