Thomas, who will now remain at The Valley until the end of the 2008-09 season, will miss the start of the season with a broken metatarsal bone in his right foot.

He told www.cafc.co.uk: “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 that it’s all done and dusted now and I can get on with playing football.

“The new manager (Iain Dowie) 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.”

Thomas, a former England Under-21 international, suffered his injury during a pre-season friendly defeat at Hibernian.

Dowie said: “I’m delighted to extend Jerome’s contract. We were all very, very disappointed that 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 trying to do here. He showed me more than enough before his injury and he has a bright future at the club.”