Rangers today wrapped up the final three outstanding contracts after agreeing new contracts with Matthew Rose, Richard Johnson and Richard Edghill.
After Marc Bircham and Paul Furlong committed their futures to Loftus Road earlier this summer, there was much speculation regarding the futures of the three contract rebels who have now finally agreed new deals.
Johnson and Edghill penned new 1-year contracts while Rose has signed a 2-year deal- all three were out-of-contract and free to leave the R’s this summer.
The news comes as a welcome relief for Ian Holloway after the capture of former loan favourite Lee Cook and Player of the Season Martin Rowlands also agreeing to extend his stay at W12. Ollie had been left in the lurch following the departures of Terrell Forbes, Clarke Carlisle and Steve Palmer from last season’s defence.
Johnson and Edghill both arrived last term and made valuable contributions to the promotion campaign. They now have an excellent chance to stake a claim in Ollie’s new Championship side.
Rose meanwhile is the R’s longest serving player. The former Arsenal youth cup winning player is thought of highly by Ollie for his consistent performances in a number of positions; whether it be in defence or midfield. Rosie has been blighted by injuries throughout his Rangers career, preventing him from playing in a number of games in a 7-year career. Ollie was however delighted with Rosie’s efforts in the last month of the promotion season as he stepped up to perform magnificently in the heart of the defence.
The departure of Clarke Carlisle to Leeds United creates a vacancy in central defence that Rose has proved to be more than capable of filling and with Dan Shittu still to return from a lengthy lay-off, Holloway is in need of experienced and reliable defensive depth.
Edghill can play in both full back positions, whilst Johnson's importance as a holding midfielder in the Holloway scheme is clear, particularly following the departure of Club Captain Steve Palmer to the Milton Keynes Dons.
QPR MAD would like to congratulate all three on their new deals and wish them the best of luck for the new season once the Championship gets under way on August 7th at Loftus Road against Rotherham United.
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