DANNY Graham reiterated his desire to stay with Rovers after agreeing a new deal, insisting: “there was never any doubt”. 

The experienced striker penned a new one year contract, with the option of a further 12 months, in a big boost to boss Tony Mowbray’s Championship plans.

Mowbray was keen to keep the 32-year-old, who netted 17 goals last season, at the club while the man himself never had any intention of leaving.

There was interest from Bolton Wanderers, who are understood to have proposed a two year deal, but Graham got his wish and will remain at Ewood Park for the 2018/19 season.

And with pre-season just around the corner, the popular striker can’t wait to be reunited with his team-mates.

He said: “I’m delighted to get the deal done.

“I said at the end of the season that I wanted the contract situation to be sorted quickly and although it took a little longer than expected, it’s done, I’m happy and really looking forward to next season.

 “I’m looking forward to meeting up with the boys again in the next couple of weeks.”

Graham joined Rovers in January 2016 from Sunderland, initially on loan, before signing a two-year deal that summer.

That included an option for a 12 month extension in the club’s favour, though that lapsed after the club’s relegation from the Championship.

So Graham’s deal heading in to the final few weeks before agreeing an extension.

He continued to state his desire to remain a Rovers player despite his contract drawing to a close, with the news met with delight from both fans and team-mates in equal measure.

“There was never really any doubt. I had interest from other clubs but I always stated that I wanted to stay at this football club,” Graham added.

“Ever since I walked in here I’ve really felt at home and I have a great relationship with the fans and the boys in the dressing room.

“Did I have conversations with other people at other clubs? Yes I did, but I never wanted to leave.”

Graham has netted 37 times in his 106 Rovers outings and passed 150 career goals during the 2017/18 campaign in which he was named in the League One PFA team of the year.

His influence in the second half of the season, including his relationship on and off the pitch with star man Bradley Dack, proved vital in Rovers’ promotion campaign.

And with the club now back in the Championship, Graham is looking to play a part in helping the club re-establish themselves in the second tier.

“Ever since I walked in here I’ve really felt at home and I have a great relationship with the fans and the boys in the dressing room,” he told the club website.

“It was too hard for me to walk away and I’ve never wanted that. I’ve never once stated that I wanted to leave this club.

“I’m delighted it’s all done and that it’s been put to bed and now I can look forward to next season and the challenge ahead.”