Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club are pleased to announce that striker Paul Benson has signed a contract extension to keep him at the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium until 2012.

Paul has been the speculation of two recent transfer bids, one from League One Gillingham and the other last week, a six figure offer, from a fellow League Two Club.

"Last Thursday the Gaffer [John Still] told me that an offer had come in for me", Paul said . "He asked me to consider the possible move and give him my views on whether it was something I was interested in.

"I wasn't and I told him I'm very happy at Dagenham & Redbridge and want to stay.

New contract negotiations had already started but John Still and the club moved quickly to tie up Paul's immediate future to the Club.

"Towards the end of last season the Gaffer and I started discussing a new deal although there were no figures quoted at the time", Said Paul.

"I thought it best to negotiate a new contract now so that we can all concentrate on the forthcoming season knowing where we're all at.

"It took about 4-5 days to fully negotiate but the Gaffer, the Club and myself are all happy with the final package.

"I took the new contract offer home over the weekend and discussed it with my family but I knew the outcome and rang [John] at the time agreed to say yes and arrange a time to sign it"

The new contract has now been signed and Paul can look forward to three more seasons with the League Two Club having originally joined them back in 2005 from Essex Intermediate league White Ensign. For the past three seasons he has finished top scorer at the Club.

"I joined the Club when they were mid-table in the Conference and like myself they have progressed", Said Benson.

"This coming season I want to have an injury free season and continue to score goals and if I can do that hopefully both the Club and I can continue to progress

Manager John Still added, "I think we have a very strong relationship and if in football you have players who want to play for you, then that is what you strive for."

Our SMS subscribers heard this news story first. To sign up for news stories such as this, please click here.