BOSS Chris Wilder spoke of his delight last night after James Constable pledged his future to Oxford United.

The talismanic striker and captain signed a new three-year deal, to extend his contract until 2014.

The centre forward’s previous deal would have run out at the end of next season.

Constable, nicknamed Beano, has scored 67 goals for the club and this season he is their leading scorer, with 15 goals from 46 appearances.

But it is as much the way he goes about his football – his fierce determination and workrate, which makes him such a hit with the fans – as his goals which make him central to Oxford United as they move forward and strive to reach League One.

“What he’s done has been great for everybody – his attitude on and off the pitch,“ Wilder said.

“His profile fits in with what we want in and around this football club.

“He wants to do well, he wants to improve, he wants to work hard.

“He doesn’t want to just be here for a pay cheque, he wants to kick on and achieve in his career.

“And we’re delighted he wants to do that with us.”

Constable, who initially joined United on a season-long loan from Shrewsbury back in 2008, has always been popular among U’s fans and he is one of the front-runners to win this season’s Supporters’ Player of the Year award.

He said: “I’m delighted to be here for the next three years and I want to push on and help us get promoted again.

“I love Oxford and it was an easy decision to make to stay here.

“The club has massive potential and the support here is incredible.

“That’s one of the reasons I’m staying. The fans have been great to me and I love playing in front of them and scoring goals.

“My first aim was to get us out of the Conference and we’ve done that. Now it’s time to push on again.

“I know the club record for goals is 107 and that’s definitely something I want to target in the future.”

Wilder added: “It’s fantastic news. He has been the heartbeat of the club for the last two years.

“He’ll help us push forward next season and take us to the next level.”

Midfielder Paul McLaren last week signed a new contract, keeping him at the club for another year.