Goalkeeper Liam Hughes has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2027 season, the club is delighted to confirm.

The 25-year-old joined Rovers last December from Finnish side Haka, and the club has taken up the option of a further year on his contract. He becomes the first player to commit to the club for next season, with the aim of an immediate return to the Premier Division. A former Liverpool and Celtic youth player and Northern Ireland Under 21 international, Hughes has made three appearances in recent matches.

Manager Darren Purse said the move marks the start of the club’s preparations for 2027. “This is the first step in what is going to be a really important rebuild for the football club,” he said. “It is a good time for this one to be announced, and it gives us a bit of security in that area as we push on and hopefully get a few more over the line over the coming months.”

Purse spoke highly of Hughes’ progress since being given his opportunity. “I really liked him in training before he had even played a game. He has impressed since coming in and he is only going to get better the more games he plays. For me, it was a bit of a no-brainer to get it done.”

Hughes said he was delighted to commit his future to the club. “I am just happy to get it over the line. It has been a tough year for everyone involved in the club, so it is important to get started early for next season and hopefully we can bounce straight back up.”

He added: “It is great that the manager had trust in me. Everybody’s goal is for the club to get straight back up. Personally, I just want to play as many games as I can and help the team as much as I can.”