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Defender boost for Boro
Middlesbrough, 11:49, June 22, 2009 ,
Middlesbrough have been handed a big pre-season boost with the news that Mathew Bates has signed a new three-year deal with the club.
The list of clubs interested in the 22-year-old read like a who's who from the Premiership as they all look to take advantage of the fact he was out of contract and Boro had been relegated.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate had been desperate to keep Bates at the club and made tying him down to a new deal his summer priority, so he will be particularly pleased.
Chief executive Keith Lamb had also spoken of his hopes that Bates would stay with Boro and told the club's website. "We are delighted Matthew has decided to commit his future to Middlesbrough."