Chuffed to get another year, says Short

Short's existing contract was due to run out in the summer but the central defender had an option to take up another year providing he played 20 first team games this season.

He subsequently hit that figure after appearing against West Ham between Christmas and New Year and he had no hesitation in extending his stay at Ewood.

"John Williams came to me and congratulated me after the West Ham game at home for passing 500 games and also getting my 20th goal.

"But I then got injured again and I didn't really think it was right to write my letter of acceptance until I was fit again.

"However, now that I am I've taken up the option and I'm chuffed to bits to get another year.

"I know the manager is going to sign a centre half in the summer because Henning is packing in and I'll be 35, so the club have got to look to the future.

"But I want to stay here because I feel as though I've still got something to offer.

"It's a good club, I'm very happy here and the training facilities are fantastic so I wasn't going to sit down and think 'Who else can I speak to?

"The last four years have gone so quickly for me, I've enjoyed my football here more than anywhere else, and this is probably the best ever team I've played for as well.

"We got promotion, we got to the Worthington Cup final and I'm playing with good young players."

Short has yet to decide whether this contract will be his last but, after speaking to several other experienced figures in the game, he insists he can still make a valuable contribution at Ewood over the next 12 months or so.

"I've played with Richard Gough, Dave Watson and Mark Hughes and all of them told me to play as long as I can," added Short.

"Playing at centre half isn't as physically demanding as some of the other positions so I should be able to go on longer.

"I'd like to play this season and one more, if possible. But whether I can do it at the top-level or not, we'll have to see."