The midfielder was one of a group of patient players signed up in a hurry by Leeds last year with no certain idea of how fruitful their transfers would be.

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As an example of that unpredictability, only four of the eight individuals recruited by Dennis Wise in the final week before the 2007-08 season are still present at Elland Road.

Last week, Prutton agreed a second extension to the year-long contract he signed 12 months ago, negotiating a third year with Leeds and increasing his longevity in West Yorkshire.

Prutton's first extension was secured last November by a clause in his initial deal which guaranteed him longer terms after his 15th league outing for the club, but the offer made to him ahead of the start of this season was purely the result of his consistent influence during United's first campaign in League One.

Forty three league appearances and four goals were the sum of his successful introduction to Leeds, and while several of Wise's other signings processed towards the exit at Elland Road, Prutton's position in Gary McAllister's grand scheme was confirmed by his inclusion in the starting line-up at Scunthorpe last Saturday.

"I always saw coming here as much more than a short-term move," Prutton said. "I had to look at it like that. It's not really acceptable to join a club like Leeds and think about clearing off a year later.

"Sometimes it works the other way and a year down the line you're no longer wanted or needed, but I hoped I'd be involved at Leeds for a long time. From the first day, I've thoroughly enjoyed being here.

"I couldn't have asked for a more eventful first season, and this summer has been very different to last summer – we've been paid for one thing, and there's been nothing in the way of serious problems. That's how a football club should be and it makes you feel more secure personally when they're asking you to stay for another season.

"One of the most important things for a player is to be at a club where you're wanted, and a new contract is a pretty good example of where you are in a manager's plans.