George Thomason has been rewarded with a new long-term contract after further establishing himself as a key part of the Wanderers’ squad.
Thomason is currently sidelined with a knee injury which is set to keep him out for another couple of months.
But Wanderers have moved to secure the future of the midfielder, 21, who has agreed a deal running until June, 2025 with the option of a further year.
Thomason was under contract until the end of the current season after signing a new deal just over a year ago.
That has now been extended with the Barrow-born former Blackpool trainee – who joined Wanderers from Longridge Town in January, 2020 – agreeing enhanced terms in recognition of his continued progress.
After making 24 appearances to help Ian Evatt’s side win promotion from League Two in 2020/21, Thomason featured 21 times in all competitions last season.
In an impressive start to the current campaign, Thomason had already made 13 starts and four further substitute appearances to help Wanderers move into the top six of League One before he suffered a dislocated kneecap and ligament damage in a 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers at the start of the month.
“I’m really happy and proud and privileged to have signed a new contract at this football club and looking forward to creating more good, happy memories at this place,” said Thomason.
“I feel I’ve made good improvements over the last year and that’s down to myself, family and friends, but also the coaching staff and my team-mates, pushing each other daily, and trying to improve myself on and off the pitch.
“Ever since I’ve been here with the manager the club’s been on a rise and a journey.
“He’s so ambitious that I can only see the club keeping on progressing; the things we are doing on the training ground, the way he strives for perfection, it’s really good to be part of that.
“The way the club is rising, if we continue at this current rate then we’re only going to try and get to that next level and hopefully kick on again.”
Wanderers were keen to reflect Thomason’s value as a key part of the first-team squad with a new deal and to conclude negotiations while the midfielder - Wanderers' longest-serving senior player - is currently out of action.
“We want to support everybody. We want to look after our players and show them faith and belief,” said manager Ian Evatt.
“George has shown us that with his performances this season. It’s a two-way street. It’s nothing he doesn’t deserve and we’re delighted for him.
“He’s really had a break-out season, in my opinion. He’s progressed, improved, worked really hard on his game – physically, technically and tactically – and he has those leadership skills we look for in young players.
“We feel it was time to reward him and bring him more in tune with the rest of the playing squad when they’re first-team players regularly.
“It shows faith in him and that’s the kind of club we want to be, that supports our young players and rewards success.”