Newcastle centre-back Mike Williamson pens new contract
Williamson has been a near-ever present in the team this season
Newcastle have agreed a new five-and-a-half year contract with centre-back Mike Williamson.
The 27-year-old joined Newcastle from Portsmouth in January 2010 and played a key role in the Magpies' promotion.
Williamson told the club's website: "Playing in the Premier League with a club like Newcastle has been a dream for me."
The Tyneside outfit also announced young striker Nile Ranger has signed a five-and-a-half year contract.
Williamson has been a regular in the side this season and is delighted to secure his future with the club.
"I've played in the lower leagues before, so to get the opportunity to play at St James' Park every other week - and grounds like the Emirates and Old Trafford - is fantastic for me," he said.
"Me and my family have settled here quickly and it's great to know that we'll be staying here for a long time to come."
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton said: "Mike has been outstanding for us since he came here. He has a brilliant attitude and in my opinion has been one of the best English centre-backs in the league this season."
Meanwhile 19-year-old front man Nile Ranger has signed a similar deal to tie him to Newcastle until 2016.
The London-born teenager scored in the Carling Cup win against Chelsea earlier this season and has been a regular in the first-team squad.
The England under-19 international told the club's website: "I'm absolutely buzzing. I'm loving it at Newcastle. I really feel I can develop here and I can only learn from some of the players here.
"The fans have been great with me from day one, and even though I'd spent my whole life down south until I came here, this feels like home now."
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