George Thomason has further committed himself to Wanderers by signing a new long-term contract with the club, writes Pete Oliver.
Thomason elected to stay with the Whites rather than make an immediate move up a division following a major offer to Wanderers from another club.
Manager Ian Evatt made it clear he wanted the 22-year-old midfielder to remain part of his plans and Thomason has now been rewarded with a new deal running until June, 2027.
“When that bid came in for that amount, we have to put forward our case as to why we want him to be here,” said Evatt.
“It wasn’t a financial motivation for George, but it was important we recognised his loyalty and recognised his position in the squad, which has gone from being a young player in development stage to being a fully-fledged important first team member and his contract reflects that.
“We’re delighted he’s committed his future to us and I think there’s a huge amount of progression still to come from him.”
Thomason’s new contract replaces the deal he signed last December, which was due to keep him at the Toughsheet Community Stadium until 2025, with the option of a further year.
The extended deal also reflects his growing stature and impact with Wanderers as a powerful, left-footed central midfielder with an excellent range of passing.
After joining Wanderers from Longridge Town in January, 2020, Thomason has matured and blossomed under Evatt, sharing a promotion success from League Two in 2021 and then returning from four months out with injury last season as the Whites won the Papa Johns Trophy at Wembley.
“George has been in the building since my first day here and I’ve seen a huge amount of progression from him,” added Evatt.
“His journey has been very much aligned with that of the football club. Where we’ve progressed, he’s progressed, and I think there’s a huge ceiling with him and lots more to come. We’re delighted to have him for the future and to continue the journey together.”
Thomason becomes the latest member of Evatt’s squad to sign a new deal with the Whites after George Johnston, Gethin Jones, Kyle Dempsey, Josh Sheehan and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson also agreed extended contracts this summer to continue Wanderers’ progress on and off the pitch.