Boss on why he is keen for James Coppinger and Matty Blair to extend Doncaster Rovers stays

Darren Moore is keen to keep the experience of James Coppinger and Matty Blair in his Doncaster Rovers squad for next season.
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But he believes both men will offer much more than wise heads to the group, should they agree to remain with the club.

Coppinger and Blair are currently mulling over the offer of contract renewals with the club.

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“We see them as two experienced players but also two that contribute greatly to where we want to go next season,” Moore told the Free Press.

James CoppingerJames Coppinger
James Coppinger

“They’re experienced, they’re good people but they’re also very good players.

“Having worked with them, I’ve identified that I’d like to continue working with them because there is still a lot that they can be a part of going forward.

“That is where it’s at right now. It’s a young squad but we’ll keep the same hunger and desire we had last season.”

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A new deal would take Coppinger into his 17th season at Rovers and Blair his fifth.

The veteran duo are set to continue talks with the club this week and Moore expects Rovers will not be kept waiting for a definitive answer from them over whether they wish to accept.

“Both players are currently discussing it with their representatives and families,” Moore said.

“Hopefully we’ll hear something with that sooner rather than later.

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“With the mutual respect that we have got with the players, they will come back to us sooner rather than later.

“We respect both men immensely and we anticipate them coming back to us quickly so they can settle down and they can keep the continuity with the football club going.

“There is still work for them both to do here and we want them to be a part of it.”

Youngsters Danny Amos and Louis Jones are also in discussions over new contracts.

“Those two are in the same position,” Moore said.

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“If you’re putting all four players in the basket, we’re hoping we hear something soon that will be good news for all of us at Doncaster Rovers going into the new campaign.”

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