Skipper leaves as defenders sign on (From Wirral Globe)

Skipper leaves as defenders sign on

10:54am Wednesday 16th May 2012 in Tranmere News

TRANMERE Rovers’ defenders Ian Goodison and Ash Taylor have signed new contracts as boss Ronnie Moore prepares for next season – but skipper John Welsh has left the club.

Rovers captain Welsh has signed a two-year deal with Preston North End.

The central-midfielder, who was out of contract at Prenton Park, turned down a new contract with the club to move to North End.

Welsh, 28, has played 130 games for Rovers and will officially begin his new deal from July 1.

Goodison’s one-year deal, which is subject to work permit renewal, will take the Jamaican into his ninth year at Prenton Park after he joined in 2004.

The 39-year old was a regular in the heart of the Tranmere defence in 2011-12, making 46 appearances. He is the most capped Jamaican international of all time and has been voted North West League 1 Footballer of the Year three times.

He has made 378 appearances for Tranmere since his debut at Oldham in February 2004, scoring 13 times.

Taylor, who has signed a two-year deal, began his professional career at Prenton Park in December 2008 after progressing through the club’s centre of excellence and youth team.

He has gone on to make 110 appearances for the club, scoring six times. Earlier this season he made his Wales Under-21 debut against Andorra.

Together they helped the Club to the best home defensive record in npower League 1 and the second highest number of clean sheets in the division in 2011-12.

Manager Ronnie Moore, whose side ended the season 12th on the League One table following a 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe United last weekend, said: “I’m pleased both players will be with us again next season.

“Ian has been a rock for Tranmere over the past eight years.

“He plays through pain, leads by example and has an incredible will to win.

“He is still one of the best defenders in the division and centre forwards know they’ve been in a game when they’ve played against him.

“I’ve been really impressed with Ash since I came back to the club.

“He’s a strong defender who has a bright future ahead of him.

“They’ve formed a good partnership together and hopefully it will continue next season.”

Ian said: “I’m delighted to sign for the Club again.

“Wirral has become my second home and I'm here now more than I’m in Jamaica.

“I’m grateful to all the Super White Army for their support over the years and hope to give them another good season.”