It's been a frustrating time for both Clarke brothers this season, but both showed their commitment to the Town cause this morning by putting pen to paper on contract extensions.

Caretaker Manager Gerry Murphy broke off from preparing for tomorrow's home League One meeting with Port Vale (3.00pm) to watch Nathan, 23, and Tom, 19, sign the new deals.

Just weeks after skipper Jon Worthington tied himself to Town until 2009, Nathan has agreed three-year terms with fellow centre-back Tom signing a two-year deal with an option on another 12 months.

Talks are ongoing with right-back Andy Holdsworth, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, but the 23-year-old has gone on record as being keen to stay.

And Murphy, aiming to extend his unbeaten managerial record to four matches against 11th-placed Vale (Town are 14th) said, "We're not far off and I'm very hopeful."

On the Clarke brothers, Gerry said, "They seem to have been around a while, but both Nathan and Tom are still young and can go on and do very well in the game. Both have had injury problems this season, but this provides a positive end, and both of them can now concentrate on getting back to full fitness."

Nathan, who has been limited to 18 outings by two different injuries to his right knee, said: "I desperately want to play in the Championship, and I believe I can do that with Town. Obviously our hopes haven't materialized this season, but with the players and setup we already have, and a new manager at the helm, we can do it next time."

Tom, who injured his left knee in his ninth appearance of the campaign and has since had reconstructive surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament, said: "We were talking about a new deal before I got injured, and while it had to go on hold, I'm really happy to have signed."