Josh Coulson (Pic: Shaun Brooks)

Two-year-deals for Coulson and Jennings

CAMBRIDGE United defenders Josh Coulson and James Jennings have signed new two-year-contracts.

Centre-back Coulson, 22, and 24-year-old left-back Jennings have committed themselves to the club until 2014. Their previous deals were due to expire at the end of the season.

Coulson made his U’s debut in December 2007, and has been a first-team regular for the last two seasons. His consistant performances saw him rewarded with a call up to the England C squad last season, and he has been ever-present for the U’s this term.

Manager Jez George said: “It is really important that we not only develop our own young players but we also ensure that we protect our assets.

James Jennings wins a header (Pic: Shaun Brooks)

“To that end, I am delighted that Josh is now committed to the club for an additional two years. Up until his substitution on Saturday, Josh has played every minute of every game and has developed into an extremely good centre-back in this league.

“He will play an important part in moving this club forward and I still believe that he has the potential to improve and play at a higher level. We all hope that in the future that will be with Cambridge United.”

Jennings joined United from Kettering in May 2010, and has made 26 appearances for George’s team this season, captaining the side in the absence of the injured Michael Wylde.

“James has been virtually an ever-present since Nolan and I took over last February and it was important the club secured his services on a longer contract,” George said.

“He is an excellent player who, as well as his undoubted ability, possesses the desire to improve and a winning mentality.

“These are qualities we want as the integral part of the culture on which we create an environment that can bring success to the club in the future.

“I would not swap him for any other left-back in this league and we look forward to building a squad that can match his ambitions.”