Grayson, Perrin and Cowe sign new contracts for Rovers (From Stroud News and Journal)

Grayson, Perrin and Cowe sign new contracts for Rovers

FOREST Green boss, Colin Addison has been busy negotiating new contracts with a number of his first team squad over the past couple of weeks and several senior players have already put pen to paper.

Leading goalscorer Neil Grayson has agreed a one-year extension on his contract, as have goalkeeper Steve Perrin, midfielder Steve Cowe and defender Steve Jenkins, while teenagers Adie Adams and Danny Allen have also signed for an extra year.

Midfielder Martin Foster is also likely to sign a new two year contract, while Gary Owers and defender Matt Russell look certain to sign new one-year contracts.

Talks are still ongoing with club captain, Jon Richardson, who has enjoyed a superb season, and left-sided midfield player Alex Sykes, while another midfielder, Ben Cleverley who had returned to Bristol City after an extended loan spell at the Lawn, has now been released by City and is also in discussions over a new contract at Rovers.

Former Swindon Town and Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan McLoughlin has announced his retirement due to a persistent back problem, but may remain with the club in an as yet unspecified role, while four other players have been released by the club.

Jamie Impey and Lee Russell have both signed for Weymouth Town, where they were on loan last season and Simon Futcher is set to join Swindon Town, while long-serving midfielder Rob Cook has emigrated to Australia.

Cook was the recipient of a special award for his loyalty at Forest Green's annual Presentation Dinner attended by some 250 members players and guests in a grand marquee on the club car park last Sunday when skipper Jon Richardson almost swept the board in collecting two more trophies to add to his nomination as Supporters' player of the season made at the final league game of the season against Dagenham and Redbridge.

Richardson was named as Directors' player of the season and also collected the coveted players' player of the season, with central defensive partner Darren Jones in second place and Kevin Langan third.