Nick Montgomery has spoken of his delight, after penning a new three-year contract at Bramall Lane on Wednesday afternoon.

The 28-year-old, who has clocked up nearly 300 appearances for the Blades since his senior debut in October 2000, has a clear ambition for the future and he feels United's hierarchy recognise the importance of maintaining a strong core to the squad:

"I am delighted to sign the deal and lift a weight off my shoulders. It has been a tough couple of months and I have had plenty of thinking to do with my family, but I have definitely made the right decision.

"There was a lot of interest from other parties, but Sheffield United is a massive club and I just felt after having an excellent season last term that my work wasn't done here and I am desperate to help this club get back into the Premiership.

"After speaking to Kevin McCabe and Trevor Birch a lot over the last couple of weeks I know the club is moving forward and if we can add the right players over the summer then we have got a good chance of fighting for the top six next season."

The news of Montgomery's new contract, come weeks after skipper Chris Morgan extended his deal with the Blades and the tenacious midfielder says that played a major part in his decision to stay:

"It was important to me that Morgs signed an extension. We have been through a lot together including, promotion, the Premiership, relegation and losing in the play-off final.

"Morgs is a great guy and a fantastic captain and the fact he committed himself shows the club are pushing in the right direction."