Aldo relaxes in the sun as Morrissey and O'Brien sign on for another year as Steve Hunter reports from Prenton Park:

TRANMERE Rovers manager John Aldridge received some welcome news before he and his first team squad jetted off to Magaluf on their end-of-season holiday . . .

Two key players, winger John Morrissey and midfielder Liam O'Brien, both signed new 12 month contracts. But winger Graham Branch is on his way out of Prenton Park - he has been told he can leave after refusing new terms.

Popular 33-year-old Morrissey, in his 13th year with Tranmere, has set a new date of Tuesday, August 4, for his testimonial match with the opposition yet to be announced. He is delighted to be staying at Prenton Park for another year.

"It's nice to be wanted," said Morrissey. "I've enjoyed this season, played a number of games and I hope to carry that on next season. It's been a difficult season with the injuries and suspensions we've suffered, but to have stayed up is a great achievement for the club."

Morrissey, a bargain £8,000 buy from Wolves in 1985, is looking forward to his testimonial match. "It's going to be a great day and, hopefully, there will be a big crowd," he told me. "I've had a good career with Tranmere and I am looking forward to next season."

O'Brien, Rovers' Republic of Ireland international, turned down a move to an unnamed European club to stay for a further 12 months at Prenton Park. The 33-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an excellent season and Mr Aldridge is delighted.

Rovers, though, will not be making Polish right-back Dariusz Kubicki's stay at Prenton Park permanent. Kubicki has been on loan from Wolves, and has been given a free transfer by the Molyneux club.

Said Mr Aldridge: "It's unfortunate for Dariusz, but we have Stephen Frail on the way back for next season. Dariusz did a good job for us at a time when we were short of cover at full-back, and I'm very grateful for his help. He's a good professional."

Rovers have offered extended five year contracts to five young stars, goalkeeper Danny Coyne, defenders Clint Hill and Dave Challinor and strikers Gary Jones and Andy Parkinson.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, who last season established himself not only in Rovers' first team but as one of England's most talented young goalkeepers, has been named in the provisional England Under-21 squad for the annual tournament in Toulon, France, later this month. The 24-man squad will be cut to 18 by manager Peter Taylor.

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