Midfield prospect Edmondson signs new long-term Rovers deal

Rovers have secured the future of highly-rated youngster James Edmondson with a new long-term contract at Ewood Park.

Edmondson, who has been with the club since the age of six, has put pen to paper over a new deal running until the summer of 2027.

The 18-year-old midfielder was around the first-team squad during pre-season and was included in the training camp in Austria.

He made his senior debut in the 8-0 win against Harrogate in the Carabao Cup second round, coming off the bench for the final half hour and even getting on the scoresheet.

However, his hopes of kicking on and earning more opportunities in the senior squad were hampered by injury.

“It is like déjà-vu from 18 months ago when I put pen-to-paper for the first time and this feeling is a great feeling,” said Edmondson, who initially signed professional terms with Rovers in 2022.

“Since the new manager has come in I have had a bit of a setback with injuries, so I am just looking forward to kicking on from the start of next season, trying to get into the manager’s sights and proving myself in and around it.

“Going away to Austria with the first team last pre-season was a great experience and the start of the season was good, but then my ankle injury didn’t go in my favour.

“But that is football at the end of the day, so I am just looking to kick on again next season.”

Meanwhile, Rovers are set to learn more of their opponents in the Championship next season over the coming days.

Leeds welcome Norwich to Elland Road in the play-off semi-final second leg on Thursday night (8pm). The first leg finished goalless after a tight encounter at Elland Road.

The other semi sees Southampton face West Brom at St Mary’s on Friday night. The first leg also finished goalless at the Hawthorns.

Both fixtures will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and the winners will meet in the Wembley final on Sunday, May 26.

The final promotion spot from League One will also be confirmed this weekend when Bolton Wanderers face Oxford in the play-off final.

Bolton beat Barnsley 5-4 on aggregate in the semi-final, while Oxford edged past Peterborough over two legs.

The winner on Saturday will join Portsmouth and Derby, who secured automatic promotion during the regular season.