CHARLTON head coach Iain Dowie secured the future of yet another Addicks star when Jerome Thomas signed a new contract on Friday.

The 23-year-old winger penned a brand new three-year deal until the end of the 2008/09 season, following in the footsteps of England duo Darren Bent and Luke Young, who committed their futures to the Addicks last month.

It is a huge boost for Thomas who will miss the start of the season with a broken metatarsal bone in his right foot.

He said: "It's a great incentive for me to get fit and playing again as quickly as possible.

"I'm delighted to sign a new contract. I have been negotiating since last season and I'm really pleased it's all done and dusted now and I can get on with playing football.

"The new manager changed the situation a bit but before my injury I think I showed enough.

"I've had a chat with the manager and I like the direction he's trying to take the club so I'm looking forward to it."

While out of action with the broken foot sustained early on in the Addicks' 3-2 defeat at Hibernian on July 25, Thomas has seen two wide players, Andy Reid and Cristian Bolanos, join the club.

But while the former England under-21 international doesn't feel as though his position is threatened, he accepts competition for places is hotting up.

He said: "I like to think that when I get back to fitness I will be in the side again but I think it's great the gaffer has brought in some more midfield players.

"It's good in terms of competition for places and I'm sure the fans will see the best of everyone this season because of the competition."

Dowie said: "I'm delighted to extend Jerome's contract. We were all very disappointed he picked up his injury when he did but we're obviously looking to the long term.

"Jerome is a very talented lad who we hold in high regard.

"He has come back in great shape and really embraced what we're tyring to do here.

"He showed me more than enough before his injury and he has a bright future at the club."

Terry Cordwell.