Menayese signs a new Rovers deal

Young defender joins Kelly in penning one-year contract at the Memorial Stadium

ROLLIN Menayese has penned a contract extension at Bristol Rovers. The 22-year-old’s deal at the club was on the verge of expiring, but the Pirates have tied him down to a new one-year deal.

The extension is the second Rovers have dished out in quick succession, with left-back Michael Kelly inking a 12-month contract on Friday.

Centre-back Menayese, pictured, became a prominent player under

Graham Coughlan in the first half of the season, making 20 appearances in all competitions, including a serious of heroic defensive displays in the lead up to Christmas.

Since the arrival of Ben Garner, however, Menayese has had fewer chances – with Coughlan failing in an attempted deadline-day-raid to lure him to Mansfield in January.

Contract negotiations with the Cardiff City academy graduate have ensued since, and Garner has now snuffed out any uncertainty over Menayese’s future, for the next 12 months at least, by tying the

Democratic Republic of Congo-born Welshman down to a new deal.

“We are pleased that Rollin has signed a new deal,” Garner told the club’s website. “Rollin’s development has been helped over the past 12 months by a significant amount of first-team appearances and that has been rewarded with this contract.

“Rollin is a young defender with the hunger and potential to make further progress in his career.”

Menayese added: “I’m delighted to sign a new deal with Rovers.

“I’m looking forward to progressing further in the future.”