EWOOD chief executive John Williams vowed to do everything in his power to keep hold of Rovers' best young players after the club celebrated its most successful season since the championship triumph of 1995.

Graeme Souness's Euro-bound stars secured a top-10 finish in the Premiership to add to their Worthington Cup success courtesy of a crushing 3-0 win over Fulham at Ewood.

But Williams and the club's board of directors are not about to rest on their laurels.

And they have promised to repel all enquiries for top-trio Damien Duff, David Dunn and Matt Jansen as they look to go onto the next stage in what threatens to be a busy summer.

"Our summer will be about holding onto our best players and bringing in a couple of new faces," said Williams.

"Make no mistake, we will have people in in the summer for our best players but we are prepared to repel all raiders within the realms of reality.

"So I hope all our best young players are here next year."

Talks have already started with Duff and his advisers about a new, improved deal for the inspirational Irishman.

And Rovers' player of the year again pledged his immediate future to the club prior to Saturday's game.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle have all been linked with summer moves for a player who has become one of the hottest properties in the Premiership.

But asked if he wanted to stay at Ewood next season, his response was emphatic.

"Please God, yes," said Duff. "I love it here.

"We have a great squad that's going places and I'm very settled.

"It's where I belong."