David Nugent Signs New Leicester City Contract

The 29-year-old forward, whose previous contract expired this summer, has agreed a deal to remain at King Power Stadium until June 2016 following three fine seasons in City blue.
The 2013/14 campaign was Nugent’s most productive to date. Featuring in all 46 of City’s league matches, he broke the 20-goal barrier for the first time in his career en route to collecting a Football League Championship winners’ medal and a maiden promotion to the Premier League.
David told lcfc.com: “I’m delighted to have signed for two years and I’m really looking forward to testing myself with the rest of the squad in the best league in the world.
“Last season was the best of my career in terms of goals and assists, but I wouldn’t have managed it without the lads around me so I’m really pleased the squad has been kept together. I think we’ve got a great chance of doing well in the Premier League.”
Nugent’s total of 22 goals last season included 20 in the league, as he became the first City player to pass that milestone in the top two divisions since Gary Lineker 29 years ago. His attacking influence was not only reflected in his personal goal tally either, with only two players in the division bettering his 12 assists for the campaign.
City manager Nigel Pearson said: “David’s contribution to the squad goes a lot further than the goals he scores or the assists he provides. He’s a striker that works incredibly hard for the team and helps us to set a tempo that other teams found difficult to cope with last season.
“He’s a hugely popular, infectious character in the dressing room and a really important part of this group, so I’m delighted that he’ll be staying with us in the Premier League.”
Signed as a free agent in July 2011 following a four-year spell with Portsmouth, Nugent quickly impressed the Foxes faithful with his whole-hearted performances in attack, combining a tireless work-rate with imagination and invention in front of goal.
The Club’s leading scorer in all three seasons since his arrival, Nugent’s total of 54 goals in 148 appearances includes several examples of the Liverpool-born striker stepping forward as the man for the big occasion.
His superb winner at Norwich City in the fifth round of the FA Cup was among the highlights of the 2011/12 season and while the following campaign ended in play-off disappointment, Nugent found the net in both legs of a thrilling semi-final against Watford.
Last term, City were unbeaten in every league game in which Nugent scored, failing to win just once, while his opening goal in a 2-0 win at Burnley in March went some way to wrapping up the Club’s maiden Football League title.
The 2014/15 season will be Nugent’s first shot at the Barclays Premier League since the 2009/10 season, when he featured for both at Portsmouth and on loan at Burnley. His Premier League record stands at 64 appearances and nine goals.