Doncaster Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens has signed a new three-year contract with the Club.

The 28 year-old impressed throughout his first season at the Keepmoat Stadium, signing from then-League One rivals Oldham Athletic on a free transfer last summer.

Wellens' endeared himself to the Doncaster Rovers supporters with his no-nonsense attitude on the pitch as well as his ability to dictate the pace of the game from midfield.

The former Manchester United man is now tied to the Rovers until the summer of 2011.

"It's a good club," commented Wellens, seconds after penning the new deal.

"It's a club that is going places and I was more than happy to sign on an extra two years to my current deal. The way we play football is one of the main reasons that I wanted to stay. The manager is great in getting us to play the way that he wants to play, he understands players very well. I am more than happy here."

Chairman John Ryan, who was present at the Keepmoat Stadium as Richie signed his new deal, was also understandably delighted to secure the services of the man who was voted the Supporters' Player of the Year last term.

"Richie is one of our pivotal players," said the Rovers Chairman.

"He's a highly prized player and the fact that he has committed himself to us for three years shows Richie's confidence that we can do well. I was so delighted when we first signed him. I've watched Richie Wellens at Blackpool and Oldham and thought 'if only we could get him.' I think he's become one of our most influential signings, much like Michael McIndoe was whilst we were in League Two."