There was good news on Friday in the lead up to the new season, as John White signed a new contract to extend his time with the U's.

He put pen to paper on a new and improved deal at the Weston Homes Community Stadium just before boarding the team bus for the long trip north to Hartlepool.

A solid second half of last season has been rewarded with a new deal and John will be part of the squad that Geraint Williams hopes will push for promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

After training at Doncaster Rovers training ground on Friday afternoon, the Great Totham born defender told CU-FC.com that it was pleasing to get the contract sorted out before the start of the season.

"All I want to do is concentrate on my football, so it was great to sign the new contract ahead of our first game. I have been at the club for a long time now and this contract allows me to extend my time here even further," he said.

John's no nonsense performances in the latter half of the season couldn't prevent relegation for the club but proved to be enough to be offered a new deal.

The first half of the season was not quite as productive as an operation during pre-season restricted his first team opportunities.

A loan spell at Stevenage under manager Peter Taylor revitalised John and within days of his return to Layer Road, he was starting at the Valley against Charlton Athletic.

John was an almost ever present for the rest of the campaign and he explained how the loan spell changed his season.

"It was a big decision for me to go out on loan but I hadn't had any run of games before then to really get match fit," he added.

"Stevenage had six or seven matches during my month there and my fitness definitely benefited from those games, allowing me to return and be ready for first team football with the U's."

John will be hoping to continue his run in the team but as with all the positions on the pitch, there is plenty of competition for places as Geraint prepares for the 08/09 season ahead.