Charlton midfielder Darren Pratley has put pen to paper on a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until at least June 2021.
The inspirational 34-year-old joined the Addicks last summer on a two-year deal and played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Championship, including scoring a critical equaliser in extra-time against Doncaster Rovers in Charlton’s play-off semi-final triumph.
Pratley was Lee Bowyer’s second signing as Charlton boss and he was very pleased the former Bolton Wanderers man has signed an extension. He said: “Darren has been immense at the start of this season and played such a valuable role at the end of last season.
“He’s been outstanding. You can’t buy his experience and he’s great with the young lads. He’s a role model all around the place and deserves to get his extra year. He’s worked hard, I love him, he’s a real pro who has earned it.”
Pratley added: “I’m really pleased. I really enjoyed last season and felt I was able to help the team on and off the pitch. I’m also really pleased with how we’ve started this season - we’ll work our hardest to keep that up.
“I’d like to thank the manager, Jacko and Steve Gallen for believing in me and giving me an extra year to show what I can do.
“I’m hoping for a good season this year. The competition for places is high and we just want to build on what we were able to do last year.”
The 34-year-old made 34 appearances for Charlton last season, scoring four goals, including a stunning curled effort from just outside the penalty area in the Addicks’ 3-0 win at Shrewsbury.
Pratley has played in every league game of Charlton’s unbeaten start to the Championship, starting Charlton’s first three games and coming on as substitute in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.