Shelvey signs extension
Charlton's fine start to the 2009/10 campaign has been boosted by the news that midfielder Jonjo Shelvey signed a one-year extension to his contract with the Addicks on Saturday morning.
The England U17 international has been a key member of the Charlton side which has begun the season with five league victories in a row, setting a new club record in the process.
But after summer speculation linking the talented teenager with a move away from The Valley, Shelvey put pen to paper ahead of the London derby against Brentford to stay in SE7 at least until 2012.
Manager Phil Parkinson said: "We're delighted by the news. I've said all along that we want to keep Jonjo, and we want him to be a part of a successful team this season, and for many seasons to come.
"It's a really positive step for everyone at the club.”
Shelvey, who previously signed a two-and-a-half-year professional contract on his 17th birthday in February, became the youngest player to represent Charlton when he made his debut for the club in April 2008.
Not even in full-time training at the time, the Romford-born attacker was just 16 years and 59 days old when he was selected to start against Barnsley at Oakwell, beating the previous club record landmark of Paul Konchesky by 34 days.
And he broke two more records last season, when he became Charlton's youngest ever FA Cup and league goalscorer.
Shelvey, who has scored five goals in 27 appearances for the club, was also part of the England U16 side that lifted the Victory Shield in 2007.
The news was greeted with delight by football club chairman Richard Murray and the Charlton board, who showed their backing for the club's youth set-up by promising in May to maintain the academy despite relegation to League One.
"It's great news that Jonjo has again committed himself to the club by extending his contract,” said Richard.
"The youth set-up is one of the greatest assets of the club, and the likes of Jonjo making such a big impact on the team is a vindication of that policy and the investment we have made over many years.
"We are looking forward to seeing Jonjo play at The Valley for many more years, and hope he will be a key part of our future success.”
Shelvey is one of 11 Addicks players who have come from the youth ranks to make their first-team debut for the club since May 2007.
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