Parkin tries to tie down trio

By Phil Jackson  

Parkin tries to tie down trio

Related links

Teams

Players

Rochdale boss Steve Parkin has taken steps to secure the futures of three key men at Spotland.

Talismanic striker Rickie Lambert finished the season as League Two's top scorer, alongside Carlisle United's Karl Hawley, with 22 goals.

The Liverpool-born 24-year-old also finished the season as Dale's top assist man and so it is no surprise that Parkin will try to extend the player's contract beyond 2007.

"It goes without saying how important Rickie is to this club," the manager said.

"He's been a revelation and I've touched base with him about his current deal and we'll be following this up in the very near future."

Influential midfielder Ernie Cooksey and defender Simon Ramsden have also been offered new deals at Spotland, but have yet to sign.

"They are both key figures, but the ball is in their court," Parkin said.

The manager must now wait to see if the fruits of his labour are to be rewarded, as he searches for new right and left wingers and two defenders to add to his squad for next term.