Derek Ure and Andy Rodgers extend Shire deals to 2021

The pair had agreed to stay on until the end of next season several months ago, however delays caused by their commitments to strengthening the squad stopped the duo putting pen to paper to formalise the agreements.

But this week they finally sealed the deal and the pair will remain in charge of the Lowland League club for next season’s tilt at the title.

The pair took over the reigns following John Sludden’s departure in August 2018.

A statement from the Falkirk Stadium-based side said “The club are delighted that Manager Derek Ure and his assistant Andy Rodgers have both extended their deals until the end of the 2020/21 season.

“Both put pen to paper tonight on agreements that had been reached over the Christmas period but Derek’s and Andy’s focus on strengthening and planning for next season had delayed them sitting down to finalise their own future.

“Consistency is something everyone sees as critical to longer term success and building on the strong foundations that the club have put together is hopefully key to next season and beyond.”

Ure and Rodgers have overseen 36 competitive wins in 62 games since taking over but could not add to that win 58 per cent ratio at the weekend with the match against Civil Service Strollers postponed by the SFA and SPFL joint response to the coronavirus crisis.

A trip to Gretna this weekend is also off and fulfilling the Lowland League Cup looks unlikely.

The draw was made last week and pitted Shire against Vale of Leithen on April 25 at The Falkirk Stadium, however every game following for the club will be away from home, but with the current moratorium on the game in Scotland it’s still unclear of the games, or competition, will get the go-ahead.