Haldane extends Pirates deal

Bristol Rovers striker Lewis Haldane has signed a new contract with the West Country club.

The 19-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a contract which will keep him at The Memorial Stadium until the summer of 2007.

The former Southampton trainee has impressed Pirates boss Ian Atkins enough to earn a new deal and the youngster was surprised by how soon he was offered a contract extension.

"We've been talking about it for the last couple of weeks, but it all came out of the blue to be honest," Haldane told the club's official website.

"Obviously, I'm glad to be in the manager's plans and the fact that the contract is until 2007 is pleasing for me.

"It shows the manager has faith in what I can do, and hopefully now I can take that one step further and get my place back in the team."

Atkins, meanwhile, has been fined £800 and warned as to his future conduct following last month's 2-2 draw with West Country rivals Yeovil Town.

The former Oxford United boss was found guilty of two breaches of misconduct by The FA after using foul and abusive language towards Yeovil players and staff.

In other news, board director Mike Turl has taken the role of managing director with the League Two outfit this week.