Jonjo signs a contract through to 2012

Jonjo Shelvey has signed a new contract at Charlton that runs through to 2012. Presumably his previous deal has been improved upon, adjusting to his status as a first team regular and a key player for the Addicks.

This is good news for the club as Jonjo will undoubtedly be a big part of any success that befalls Charlton in the coming years. Jonjo is a good player and hopefully he can contribute to a promotion this year. I don't think it can be expected for him to remain in League One beyond this season if we don't go up.

Ideally Jonjo will spend his career at the club but in signing a multi-year deal, should the club be forced to sell, a sizeable fee would be expected. Young, talented English players often command a premium price.

At 17, Jonjo has the potential to develop into a top class player. Our team is already based around him in his support-striker / attacking midfield role. The results so far this season speak for themselves; Jonjo is a big part of these early successes and his availability will be a key factor in determining where we finish at the end of the season.

Chelsea's transfer ban will hopefully prevent a Scott Parker style situation, and allow us to sell at our own convienience not Chelsea's. However, the Man City-Lescott saga shows that when a player wants to leave, he can force the issue. Jonjo's love for the club would hopefully preclude this scenario.

How long can we keep Jonjo? If we dare to contemplate promotion and a Championship campaign, we will need his quality to compete.