Steve Hunter reports from Prenton Park

TRANMERE manager John Aldridge returned with his players from the club holiday to Magaluf to receive the welcome news that tough tackling centre back Clint Hill has agreed a new four year contract.

The highly rated 19-year-old made a great impression last season in Rovers' first team, apart from with referees that is - he had to face the FA for picking up too many bookings for over enthusiastic tackling.

Hill earned great plaudits when he was given the job of marking Alan Shearer during Tranmere's 1-0 FA Cup defeat at St James' Park. Although Shearer scored the only goal, Hill did a superb job on England's most feared marksman.

Hill is another product of Tranmere's highly respected youth development system.

Rovers' victorious Lancashire Youth Cup winning squad jet off to France for a tournament on Friday in Temptleouve, where they will face the likes of Paris St Germaine and Lille.

Manager John Aldridge's son, Paul, joins Rovers' Youth set-up. The 16-year-old midfielder is rated highly and is a very competitive player.

Tranmere's first team squad return for pre-season training on July 6. The following pre-season friendly matches have been announced:-

Friday, July 17: Chester (a), 7.30pm.

Tuesday, July 28: Blackpool (a), 7.30pm.

Tuesday, August 4: John Morrissey Testimonial at Prenton Park. Opposition to be announced.

Provisional dates for Rovers' Irish tour:-

July 19: Bray Wanderers.

July 22: Newry.

July 24: Drogheda.

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