Dean Hammond signs new Southampton contract

Hammond has scored 11 goals for Southampton

Southampton captain Dean Hammond has signed a new three-year extension to his contract.

The 28-year-old has extended his stay at St Mary's until at least the summer of 2015, as his current deal was set to expire at the end of this season.

The midfielder has played 105 games for Saints since joining from Colchester in August 2009.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "I love being at the club, and have loved every minute of the last two years."

He added: "I knew I was in my last year, so I wanted to come back fit and raring to go, and that competition for places was going to be hard.

"I'm very grateful to the club for offering me the new contract, and it's nice to have that security moving forward.

"The ambition that we have is there for all to see. We've started the season brilliantly and are top of the table, so why would you want to be at any other club?"