WANDERERS’ player of the year David Wheater has signed a new deal to stay with his “adopted hometown” club.

The big centre-back’s current contract expires on June 30 but Wheater, who joined Bolton in January 2011, has put his signature to a new one-year contract with an option to extend it further.

And the news will delight Whites fans, particularly as it comes hot on the heels of new deals for Gary Madine, Andy Taylor and Jem Karacan.

Ex-England youth Wheater won Wanderers’ Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season awards at the end of their successful promotion campaign.

He was also named the PFA Fans’ Sky Bet League One Player of the Season and was selected in the PFA League One Team of the Year.

Twelve months ago Wheater was out of contract with the recently-relegated Wanderers but returned to the squad with a greatly-reduced one-year deal under incoming manager Phil Parkinson.

And, after managing to put an end to a niggling series of injuries affecting his back, calf and hamstring the Redcar-born defender made 49 appearances in all competitions for the Whites last term, and he has made no secret of his affection for the club

and the town it represents. Wheater formed a revered defensive partnership with new recruit Mark Beevers at the heart of a back four, and in the latter stages of the season, alongside Dorian Dervite in a three-man defence, leading a backline that conceded a division-best 36 league goals. Wheater also weighed in at the other end of the pitch with nine goals.

“I said at the end of last season that there is only one place I wanted to be and I am delighted to be back at Bolton Wanderers Football Club,” he said after signing the new contract.

“Hopefully, we will have another season like the last and I don’t see any reason why not with the quality we have in the squad.

“I’ve been here for six-and-a-half years – it’s like my hometown – and the Wanderers fans mean everything to me.”

Parkinson added: “I’m really pleased we’ve agreed a deal with David. He had an excellent season last year and at the age of 30 I feel the best years are still ahead of him. I’m really looking forward to working with him this coming season.”