By Craig Smith

RAITH ROVERS are set to rebuild their team around club stalwart Iain Davidson after the 24-year-old signed an extension to his present deal.

Kirkcaldy-born Davidson has put pen to paper on a one-year extension which should keep him at Stark’s Park until 2010.

The midfielder was forced to turn central defender in the latter half of last season due to the club’s injury problems but excelled in the position, earning him the Player of the Year award for the 2007/8 campaign.

With Marvin Andrews having left the club by mutual consent and centre back Mark Campbell still swithering over a new contract offer, it is likely that Davidson will again slot in to the Rovers defensive line next term.

Meanwhile, young striker Lee Bryce, who appears to be on the verge of becoming a first team regular, has accepted a one-year deal, along with striker Stevie Hislop, midfielders Chris Silvestro and Robert Sloan, and veteran defender/striker Andy Tod.

The club have so far refused to confirm reports that under 19 players Jason Darling, John Halley and Martyn Pirret, who all played a part in the club’s Youth League Cup final victory on Sunday, have been released, with a club spokesman stating that an announcement will be made in due course.