David Duke finally put pen to paper on a new contract and promptly insisted his Town future was never in doubt.

After much deliberation, the 23-year-old committed himself to the County Ground by signing a new two-year deal.

But the former Sunderland wideman confirmed he never intended to walk away from the club.

"There was never any danger of me going really," said Duke. "There were just a couple of things in the original contract offer that needed ironing out.

"But we've come to a compromise and I've had a bit of thinking time. It was just a case of getting the acceptance letter back to the club my mind has been made up for a while.

"There was no reason why I should leave. I'm settled in the area and we have a good team.

"The club is beginning to sort itself out and I'm optimistic about the future."

Relieved that intense speculation over his future has been quashed, Duke can now concentrate on cementing his place in Andy King's first team next season.

And, after filling a variety or roles in the recently concluded campaign, the versatile Scot is hoping to find his niche in the team next term.

He said: "It's nice to get it (the contract situation) out of the way. I can look forward to my holidays now, and to the new season, knowing my future is sorted.

"I played in most of the games last season, but I've got to aim to be in every week and it would be nice to settle in one position as I played all over the place ast year."