COULSON SIGNS ONE YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION
Cambridge United centre back Josh Coulson has today signed a one year contract extension marking ten years as a professional footballer with the club.
As well as securing his future at the Cambs Glass Stadium until the end of the 2016/17 Sky Bet League Two season, Coulson has also been given the opportunity to celebrate a decade of wearing the amber and black jersey with a testimonial.
Having joined the U’s youth scheme back in 2006 with Jez George, Coulson signed his first professional contract at the end of that season, before making his first team debut against Halifax Town in 2007.
Since then the defender has been involved in the FA Trophy winning team, the successful promotion season in 2013/14, netted the U’s first goal back in the Football League against Plymouth Argyle on the opening day of the 2014/15 campaign and was a part of the side that held Manchester United to a goalless draw in the FA Cup Fourth Round.
After forcing his way back into Shaun Derry’s side last season in which he made 25 appearances, the 27-year old has now put pen to paper on a deal that keeps him at his hometown club for at least an additional season.
Delighted to have extended his tenure, Coulson said: “I’m really pleased to have been given another season with the club that I have grown up with.
“I’ve had some great highs and a few lows, but returning to the Football League and winning the promotion final at Wembley was an unbelievable feeling.
“I look forward to sharing more memories like that going forward. It will be a big summer and I’m sure the gaffer will be looking to bring in some more players to help the club continue to push on.”
Meanwhile discussing the testimonial, he added: “Ten years is a long time, this is my home and everyone at the club feels like my family.
“It makes me sound old to say that I’ve been here for a decade, but I’m only 27 and it’s an accolade that I’m very proud to have achieved.
“A testimonial is the perfect way to thank the supporters and everybody at the club who have stuck by me throughout my ten years.”
Cambridge United Chief Executive Jez George added: “It is very rare in the modern transient world of professional football for any player to remain at one club for ten years, therefore testimonials are almost unheard of. Nobody deserves recognition for this achievement more than Josh.
“He has grown up as a Cambridge United fan, having started out playing football with Cherry Hinton Lions and attending Colville Primary School. He has then graduated through our scholarship scheme into the first team and played an instrumental role in the recent success of the club.
“Everybody has the highest regard for Josh as an individual and the amount of unseen work he undertakes within the community speaks volumes for his character and commitment to this football club. We will do everything we can to ensure that he has a night to enjoy and gives the fans the perfect opportunity to pay their tribute.”
Watch Coulson in action for the U’s once more next season by securing your place with a 2016/17 season ticket. Click here to buy now or find out more information here.