Stoke’s highly rated centre back Ryan Shawcross has put an end to speculation about his immediate future by signing a new four and a half year deal at the Britannia Stadium, which will mean he remains contracted to the Potters until the end of the 2013/2014 season. The 6′5” 22 year-old caught the eye as Tony Pulis’s side secured Premier League survival last season and has been one of this season’s star men to date, meaning rumours linking him with a scummy return to Manchester United, from whom he joined Stoke in January 2008 for £2 million, as well as the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham had been abound. Shawcross, who has represented England at Under 21 level, but recently spoke of switching his allegiances to Wales, where he was educated, has indicated that he is more than happy at Stoke though, and, in order to guarantee first team football, and to keep his girlfriend and young child content, he will continue to build on the foundations of what looks like becoming a fine career in the Potteries.

This comes as great news for Stoke, and, after yesterday’s sickening defeat at Hull, is proof that Peter Coates, Tony Pulis and all behind the scenes at the club are fully committed to building the best possible future for the club. Most Stoke fans are resigned to one day losing Shawcross to a bigger club, as surely must happen if he is to affirm his international credentials, but it is hugely encouraging to know that he has signed such a lengthy deal and will remain a Stoke player for a while to come yet.

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