DAVID DUKE'S near ever-present record this season has triggered a clause in his contract which ensures he will remain at the County Ground for at least another year.

While manager Andy King prepares to reveal just who will be part of his plans for 2003-4, Town's number 11 is safe in the knowledge that he is not heading for the exit door.

Although the exact details are confidential, the 24-year-old's current deal specifies that a further 12 months will be offered if he completes a specified number of matches.

The Scotsman has missed just two matches this year and has fought off competition for his place from Kevin Halliday and Jon Beswetherick.

With a summer of comings and goings just around the corner, Duke is delighted that he will not be part of a hectic summer of transfer activity.

He said: "I am very happy with the situation. Other players obviously make the headlines more often than me but it's not something that concerns me.

"The manager has kept selecting me and I have done my best wherever he has asked me to play. I must admit it is nice to have the security of knowing you have at least another year.

"This time last year, I was one of those who were left wondering what the future would be.

"It's a worrying time for players and with the game in the state it is at the moment, there are no guarantees.

"But I'm settled in the area, my girlfriend is here and I've just bought a house. But yes, having that extra year is peace of mind."

Duke believes he has matured as a player since arriving from Sunderland in the summer of 2000.

He said: "I've felt reasonably happy with my form this season. You have the odd bad patch here and there but then it's been a bit like that with the team as a whole.

"I think I've said before that football is a learning curve.

"It took those of us who came in under Colin Todd quite some time to adjust to life in the Second Division.

"But three years on, I think we've managed that and next season we have to try to push on again.

"Obviously not everyone will be staying at the club but personally I wouldn't want to see a huge number of people leaving."

Although he is not playing for a contract, Duke has one major goal left to achieve this season.

He said: "I scored one goal in my first season here, two last season and I've scored two so far this year. I'm desperate to make it three for this year and I've hopefully got six games left to do it."

But just which of Duke's present team-mates will be at the County Ground next season remains to be seen.

King met all his out of contract players after training yesterday, including Danny Invincible, and the outcome of those meetings is expected shortly.

The reserves entertain Cheltenham Town at the County Ground tomorrow afternoon in the Avon Insurance Combination (kick off 2pm).