Another year at Rovers for Short

ROVERS today confirmed that Craig Short has agreed a one-year extension to his contract.

The popular defender, who will be 36 next month, is out of contract at the end of the season and there has been speculation about his future. Indeed, several clubs had expressed interest in signing Craig, but the player has stated all along he is happy to stay at Rovers.

"It won't surprise anyone, but I'm really pleased about this," explained Craig.

"We had to get the season sorted out first and I wasn't going to talk to anyone else until I knew what the situation at Rovers was.

"It will be my sixth year here, the longest I have ever been at a club, but it's also the happiest period of my career.

"This season didn't start off too well with me being injured, but it's turned out OK and hopefully we can all look forward to a great campaign next year."

Graeme Souness added: "I am delighted that Craig will be with us next season, he is a proper player and a true professional.

"He is a great role model for younger players and wonderful to work with. You can never have too many like him around the place."

Craig has more than 400 league appearances to his name. He began his football career at Scarborough, before moving on to Notts County. Derby County paid £2.5m to secure his services in 1992 before a similar amount took him to Everton three years later.

He signed on at Ewood Park at the start of the 1999-2000 campaign and has made 129 appearances for Rovers.

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