By Ryan Ghee
July 28 2005

Gavin McCann today put pen-to-paper on a new three year deal with Aston Villa. The contract also includes a clause which states that McCann can sign an extra one year extension if he wishes. This is great news for Villa who can now rest assured that the influential midfielder will remain at the club for at least three more years.
Since arriving at Villa from Sunderland, McCann has proved to be a massive success with the club and he has always been a huge part of David O'Leary's plans.
Speaking on the matter, O'Leary told Aston Villa's official website, "I know that any time I go in to see opposing managers after games, they're always talking about him (McCann) and I know there's plenty of admirers out there who would be only too willing to take him into their squad.
"There's no doubt about it, we're a better and stronger team when Gavin is in it...He's a bread and butter professional, an unsung hero type of player, who doesn't get the credit he deserves. But the players who play alongside him know the contribution he makes."

David O'Leary also added that goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has been offered a new contract and the club are hoping that his new deal will be completed within days.