For all the world it seemed that Gudjon Thordarson was resigned to losing Pipe, with the despondent Iceman recently speaking none too hopefully of persuading his key players into signing. Pipe, however, has today broken through the miserable smog that had descended upon the ‘Lane in today announcing the penning of a new two-year deal with the club.
The 22-year-old joined the club under the management of Gary Mills, initially on-loan, before Mills did the impossible in signing Pipe on a free transfer from Championship side
Thordarson, at lunch-time today, managed to better that feat in gagging the highly-rated Pipe into signing another new two-year deal, dispelling rumours that had previously linked Pipe to a host of League One clubs.
And now the former Welsh cap believes that, with his future now secured, the club can now move forward.
“I am glad everything is sorted and we can look to the future. Everyone, including myself, seemed very happy with the news,” said Pipe, speaking to the club's Official website before the ink had even set on the deal.
“I am very happy here and I thought over the offer for two weeks and I am more than happy to be here for the next two seasons.
"I would not have signed if I wasn't happy. I am not the sort of person who signs for the sake of it. I am ambitious person.
Pipe was also quick to point to Thordarson as a factor in his decision, scotching rumours that the 50-year-old was unpopular within the Meadow Lane dressing room.
"The Gaffer has been a big, big reason why I have signed up again. He is an ambitious man and he wants to be successful. He doesn't want to just accept what he has got, he wants to go on, not roll over and not be beaten," said the high-energy midfielder.
"I know for a fact he is not happy with where we are now and I also know for a fact that this time next season we will not be in the same position.”
The player of the season-elect was also quick to outline the importance of his adoring fans in his decision to re-sign, citing them as a critical factor in his decision.
“Obviously there are other factors including my living in and out of football, but certainly the fans played as massive part in my decision. They show me a lot of respect for the effort I put in, and I said I wanted to repay them with some loyalty and I think I have done that,” said the Welshman.
The new deal will see the hugely-popular utility-man remain with the club until the summer of 2008.
Pipe has become the first player out-of-contract in the summer to agree a new deal, meaning Notts now have two players under contract for next season.