Rodgers Delighted As Dobbie Signs New Deal

Brendan Rodgers was delighted to see Stephen Dobbie sign a new 3-year contract this week, ending speculation linking him with a move to Premiership side Blackpool.

The Swansea City manager sees the Scottish striker as playing a big role this season and he has given Dobbie a new lease of life at Swansea City after a disappointing first year at the club under former boss Paulo Sousa.

Sousa, now at Leicester City, gave Dobbie just two starts last season - one each in the League and Cup before spending a lengthy spell as an unused substitute. He was then finally able to play some football when he was loaned out to Blackpool where he scored some vital goals to help them win promotion to the Premiership.

Dobbie revealed this week that Blackpool made 2 bids to sign the striker, but instead of moving up a division he has decided to stay on at Swansea City, and he has praised manager Brendan Rodgers for giving him a big chance again at the Liberty Stadium.

Rodgers told the Official Site:

'Stephen has been excellent since I came in,'

'I saw him play for Blackpool last year and he's going to be a good player in this squad.

'He's a natural goalscorer but there are areas of his game which we have spoken about that we need to improve.

'I was delighted when he put pen to paper because before coming in I knew that was in doubt.

'It's great that he feels the club is going to move forward and we're delighted to have him.'

Rodgers is now looking to add competition for places up front and is hopeful of signing West Ham United striker Frank Nouble, and possibly a more experienced forward.

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