Blackburn Rovers trio sign new deals

10:24am Monday 5th May 2008

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By Andy Neild »

BLACKBURN Rovers have secured the futures of Stephen Warnock, Matt Derbyshire and Martin Olsson on new long-term deals.

The three players, who all figured in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Derby County, have signed four-year contracts, which tie them to Rovers until the summer of 2012.

Chairman John Williams told the Lancashire Telegraph: "We are delighted to get these deals done.

"Stability is our watchword and we feel it's important to secure the futures of our players across the full range of the squad, whether they are established first-team regulars or up-and-coming young talent.

"I also hope to be able to announce some more contract renewals this summer, which will further underline our status as a non-selling club."

Manager Mark Hughes is a great believer in the values of stability and continuity, and the signings of Warnock, Derbyshire and Olsson mean that virtually 50 per cent of the current first-team squad is now contracted to the club for at least the next three years or longer.

Warnock, who still had two years to run on his existing deal, has been a virtual ever present in the first team since he joined the club from Liverpool in January 2007, proving to be one of the country's most consistent left-backs.

Derbyshire has also developed into an important member of the senior squad, and his new deal reflects his excellent progress over the last 18 months.

His old contract, signed in January 2007, was due to expire in the summer of 2010.

Meanwhile, Rovers also have high hopes for Olsson, who made his second Premier League appearance as a substitute against Derby at the weekend.

The 19-year-old, who was crowned Rovers' Young Player of the Year at the club's end-of-season awards evening last night, signed two years ago from Swedish side Hogaborgs BK, and is seen by many as a first-team star of the future.