GOALKEEPER Ross Stewart has signed a new deal as Queen of the South rebuild for next season.
After play-off disappointment up at Cove on Saturday, the Palmerston faithful needed something to lift the mood.
And the club delivered as they announced Stewart — who was outstanding through the season — had put pen to paper to remain at Palmy for another campaign.
And Stewart believes Queens can rise again and go one further next season.
He said: “Obviously it was disappointing not to get promoted but we have a great group of boys and I enjoyed being part of that, so it was an easy decision for me to extend my stay with the club.
“We will rest up and enjoy the summer, recharge the batteries and be ready for when pre-season comes around and hopefully, we can have a real crack at it next season.”
Manager Peter Murphy added: “Ross is a real professional who prides himself on clean-sheets. He made a massive contribution to the side with some unbelievable saves as well as being an influential character in the dressing room.
“As we look to keep a nucleus of the squad together, we were keen to make him one of our priority signings, so we are delighted to get this one done.”
He joins striker Jordan Allan and winger Liam Smith — who both committed their future to the League One side last week.
The trio join Matty Douglas, Reece Lyon, Brennan Dickenson, Benji Luissint and Euan Ross who are already signed up for next term.
And the Doonhamers will hope for more early business to be done with fans favourites Adam Brooks, Kai Kennedy, Mikey Hewitt and Harry Cochrane all out of contract at the end of the month. Also leaving the club are loan players Jack Hannah, Oscar MacIntyre, Fraser Bryden and Lewis O’Donnell — unless future deals can be made.
However, Kyle Doherty, Josh Walker and Daniel Church will leave the club.
Meanwhile, the Dumfries outfit confirmed captain Douglas suffered a double break and ligament damage to his wrist.
The skipper fell awkwardly early in the second half at Cove on Saturday.
