MOTHERWELL veteran Stevie Hammell has signed a two-year contract extension at Fir Park. 

The defender's deal was due to expire at the end of the month but today he committed himself to the club until June 2018, when he will be 36.

Hammell has made more than 530 appearances for Motherwell over 15 seasons and is the club's post-war record appearance holder in the league.

Read more: Stephen Pearson says goodbye to Motherwell after completing move to India

'Well announced today that his new playing contract will be combined with a role coaching the Under-15s side, like he did last season alongside James McFadden and Brian Kerr.Glasgow Times: Motherwell's Steven Hammell in action Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Manager Mark McGhee underlined that Hammell's renewal will be a boost to the club in more ways than one ahead of the new season.

He said: "We’re delighted Hammy is staying as he’s got so much to offer both on and off the park.

“He, along with the likes of Keith Lasley, are club legends but my desire to retain both isn’t anything about that, it’s about what they give us here and now. You need only look at our games last season when one or both weren’t available and there was a marked difference.

“We’ve now got a very solid, experienced group of defenders and goalkeepers; our focus now is to bolster our midfield and attacking areas of the pitch."

The 34-year-old was happy to see his stay at Fir Park extended, after first joining the club in 1999.

“I’m extremely pleased to have got the deal finalised and to be staying at Motherwell," he said.

“I’ve never made any secret of my feelings for this club so there is no one happier that my future is sorted out, and I can get on with my football.

“I am still hugely ambitious not only personally, but what we can do as a team. There’s a good vibe about training the last few days, there’s a freshness with some new faces and we’re looking forward to the season ahead.

“For me I want to try and help the team as much as I can and play as much football as possible. I can’t wait for the season to start.”