Pic: Matt Bristow
ALEX WOODYARD has signed a contract extension with Lincoln City despite reportedly attracting interest from the Championship.
The tireless midfielder has been a key part of the Imps team this season after following boss Danny Cowley from Braintree Town in the summer.
Woodyard also played under Cowley at Concord Rangers and the England C captain has put pen to paper on a 12-month extension with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old former Charlton Athletic and Southend United youngster had impressed during Lincoln's run to the FA Cup quarter-finals and has reportedly been watched by clubs from as high as the Championship.
However, the midfielder has put that interest to one side and signed an extension with the National League leaders.
“It's more great news for the club,” delighted boss Cowley told Lincolnshire Live.
“Alex has been a massive part of what we have achieved this year. The fact he is willing to sign a new contract says everything about the direction we are going in.
“Alex has had lots of clubs all the way up to the Championship after him and watching him. Nicky and I wouldn't be in this position had it not been for Alex's contribution.”
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's FA Trophy semi-final first leg at York City, boss Cowley added that he expects a number of other players to follow Woodyard's lead.
“We're in talks with quite a few of the other boys but it has been a bit held up with how busy we've been and the magnitude of the FA Cup game,” Cowley said.
“We're looking to be proactive in the coming weeks and try to extend the contracts of the other boys in the group. This is a brilliant football club, you'd be mad not to re-sign.”
