Town boss hopes others follow Grant's lead

Bobby Grant signed a new deal with Fleetwood Town this week

Grant signed a deal earlier this week that will keep him at the club until, at least, the summer of 2019.

Striker David Ball, full-back Conor McLaughlin and midfielder Jimmy Ryan have all been offered fresh deals but are yet to accept.

And Rosler stressed the importance of keeping hold of Town’s best players.

He said: “It is good news for Bobby and the football club.

“I think it is important we keep our best players and Bobby is one of them this season.

“We offered him a new contract like we offered several players new contracts.

“I think it is very good. Bobby sent a signal we are all delighted. Hopefully it is a positive signal.

“In the end everyone has to decide by himself where his future lies.

“I think we have shown Fleetwood can be a very good place for different reasons, I hope that is a signal to the rest.”

And Rosler is looking forward to continue to work with the 26-year-old who has featured 47 times already this term, mainly as a midfielder but also as a striker in recent weeks.

He said: “I just look forward to working with him, continuing to work with him and improving him.

“I judge him on what happened this season, I judge him on how many games he plays for us; plus his commitment, his attitude, his all-round behaviour is top drawer.

“I have used him more in midfield but also lately I have used him as a striker. That shows his versatility.

“We don’t have many experienced players in our squad. I’m happy to have Bobby who has played for different clubs, he’s played at the top of the league and he knows what it means to be top of the league.”

The praise was mutual with Grant saying that Rosler thoroughly deserves the accolade of League One’s manager of the season as the club sits third in the table with eight games to go.

Grant said: “To come in three days before the first game of the season, I think it is an unbelievable job that he and his staff have done –but he will give all the credit to the players.

“The players have been great, but for the manger to come in and the style of play he has set, the way he has been around the place, he thoroughly deserves to be manager of the season.”