Friday 2nd June 2000 : Benjamin extends U's contract

Trevor Benjamin has today signed an extension to his present contract, which now runs until 2003.

Following the departure of Martin Butler to Reading in early February, Trevor assumed the role of main striker and scored several vital goals during the season's run-in. He also broke a long-standing club record by scoring in eight successive outings during March and April.

The 21-year-old finished the season with 20 league goals, and 23 in total, improving upon his tally of 17 during 1998-99 and playing a major part in maintaining the club's Division Two status.

He was rewarded with a call to train with the England Under-21 party for five days before their departure for the European Championships in Slovakia, news which caused a fresh round of transfer speculation and prompted director Gary Harwood to reveal that the U's have rejected two "seven figure" bids for him since the end of the season.

Commenting on today's announcement, Benjamin said, "I am delighted to sign an extension to my contract. I have been fortunate enough that the club gave me my debut at 16 and I have featured regularly in the side ever since, which I am sure has helped my progress."

The news could further boost the sales of season tickets, which are selling steadily ahead of the Early Purchase Discount deadline which is on Friday June 16th at 5pm. The ticket office will be open on Saturday mornings on June 3rd and 10th between 9am and 12 noon, and it is also open on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.