JDT: We're building for now and the future

Jon Dahl Tomasson believes tying down homegrown talent is a good thing and only makes the connection between the team and the fans even stronger as Rovers gear up for a crunch stage of the campaign.

New deals for Scott Wharton and Hayden Carter quickly followed on from Jake Garrett, Jordan Eastham and Joe Hilton all committing their long-term futures to the club.

Four of the five came through the Academy system, whilst Wharton, Carter and Garrett are all a firm part of the first-team under Tomasson's leadership this term.

And the boss is pleased that the blocks are already in place to secure key assets for the long-term, especially with the trio, who are now contracted until the summer of 2027.

“I think we’ve signed 10 players to new contracts this season now and that’s a positive," Tomasson said to RoversTV when reflecting on the quintet putting pen to paper.

“You protect the value for the club first of all.

“Secondly, and this is something I believe is more important, a lot of these players have come through the Academy and it gives a signal to everyone.

“Great credit has to go to the Academy, they’ve done a great job.

“I know fans love players who have come through the youth system. They’ve been reading about a young Scott Wharton and a young Hayden Carter.

“All those things give a connection and you need that to be successful and to do something together.

“Looking at both players, they’ve been on loan in a lower league and it’s been a tough journey in a way for the pair of them.”