LUCAS Akins has signed a new deal with the Brewers which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2020/21 season.
The versatile player first came to the Pirelli Stadium in the summer of 2014 and has become a key figure at the club being named both the fans’ and players’ choice as Player of the Season last year.
Nigel Clough said: “It’s brilliant to have secured Lucas, which is very positive news for us.
“I’m not sure we would have been able to keep him without the Carabao Cup run but the chairman has agreed to invest a little bit of that money in securing him.
“If we had a few quid to go and replace Lucas we wouldn’t know where to start in terms of buying somebody. There isn’t anyone like Lucas who can play in so many different positions with a smile on his face, give everything and perform at the consistent level he does.
“He has been as responsible as anyone for the success the club has had in the last five years. He will go down as one of the best signings this club has ever made and character-wise you couldn’t ask for better.
“He would have been a free transfer in the summer and there would have been a lot of interest and he would have got more money than we could give him. But we look after him and he enjoys being here and we certainly enjoy having him.”
Akins said: “It’s a good day for myself and hopefully the club as well. I’m really happy and I’m enjoying my football. It’s no secret my affection for the club and the journey we have been on so far and I’m looking forward to kicking on and enjoying more of those positive times in the future.
“I’m thankful to the manager, the coaching staff, the players and the chairman for giving me the opportunity to extend my stay and it wasn’t a hard decision at all. The fans have been really good to me – I really enjoy playing in front of them and really appreciate the support they give me and all the boys as well. It’s a really special place.”