Whitbread agrees new deal

Last updated : 10 January 2008 By Van Blerk's Crossing
Zak Whitbread
Whitbread: New deal
Just a few months ago Zak Whitbread's Millwall future look bleak. A string of injuries and a loss of form saw the former Liverpool player lose his place in the first team squad and he quickly became a target for the boo boys of The Den.

Rumours began to creep out that the defender wanted it out but a month is a long time in football and now, after a string of fine performances alongisde Paul Robinson, Whitbread has not only cemented his place in Kenny Jackett's first team but also earned praises from some of his harshest critics in the stands.

Whitbread's contract was due to expire in the summer but Jackett has convinced him to stay and he today agreed to a new deal with the club.

"I'm delighted to commit myself to Millwall for the next two and a half years," Whitbread told the club's official site. "I've had a few ups and downs since I first arrived here on loan from Liverpool and injuries have been a big factor in that.

"But I've been given a chance to show what I can do in recent weeks and touch wood things have been going well. I've managed to strike up a good partnership with Paul Robinson, and both of us have benefited from having Richard Shaw around to pass on his experience and keep us on our toes. I really get the feeling that after a difficult period for the club, we're starting to move in the right direction under Kenny Jackett."