August 20 2008

Matt Lawrence has signed a new contract with Crystal Palace.

The 34-year-old defender has inked an extension on his current deal which will keep him at Selhurst Park until 2010.

His existing contract was due to expire next year, but Eagles manager Neil Warnock is happy to secure his services for another season.

"I’m more than fit enough to have another two years at this level," Lawrence told the South London Press. "The discussions were very straight-forward and there were no arguments or negotiations, my agent just looked over the contract to check everything was in place and it was signed, simple as that.

"Finance is important to everyone, because you’ve got to pay the mortgage,but I didn’t quibble because I appreciated the gesture of another year.

"My family are settled in Sussex and I’m happy career-wise so signing an extension wasn’t anything I needed to think about. I’m glad to have another year playing at Palace."