Blackburn skipper signs new deal
Nelsen took over the captaincy when Lucas Neill left to join West Ham
Thursday, 05, Jul 2007 08:54
The Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen has signed a new five-year contract with the club.
The 29-year-old New Zealand international will remain at the club until at least the summer of 2012 in a move which secures his long-term future at Ewood Park.
Since signing from Major League Soccer side DC United two and a half years ago, Nelsen has been a stalwart of the Rovers backline, with several impressive performances in domestic and European matches.
And manager Mark Hughes said the news would set the club up perfectly for the new season.
"I'm delighted for the club and for Ryan," he told the Blackburn official website.
"He's my captain and will be very influential in helping to shape the progress of the club."
Chairman John Williams was equalled pleased by the stability that Nelsen's new deal would bring.
"Ryan is a top man on and off the field. The positive impact of this deal cannot be underestimated," he said.
Rovers have an early start to the 2007/08 season due to their participation in the Intertoto Cup as they bid to qualify for the main European competition, the Uefa Cup.
The club will play the winner of the second-round tie between Polish side Legia Warsaw and Lithuania's FK Vetra when they enter the draw at the third stage in late July.