DEFENSIVE duo Mark Preece and Paul Stonehouse have verbally agreed new deals with Forest Green Rovers.

The key duo will put pen to paper with the club when manager Jim Harvey returns from holiday within the next few days.

The news will come as a welcome boost to Rovers fans who have seen a string of experienced players depart for pastures new in recent weeks.

On Wednesday versatile midfielder Alex Lawless joined Lee Fowler, Darren Jones and former assistant manager Jerry Gill in departing the club.

Stonehouse, who was awarded with the supporters' player of the year award last season, established himself as a key man in Jim Harvey's side.

The 21-year-old product of the club's youth development scheme took advantage of the departure of experienced defender Anthony Tonkin to make the left back spot his own.

Bristol-born Preece has made over 100 appearances for the Nailsworth outfit after

signing from Bristol Rovers in 2006.

Earlier this week Rovers announced that defender Lee Ayres and goalkeeper Terry Burton had also verbally agreed new deals with the club. 

They follow new assistant manager David Brown, midfield trio Conal Platt, Paul Lloyd and Jonathan Smith in agreeing new deals.

Last seasons' BlueSquare Premier golden boot winner Andy Mangan is still to agree terms with the club despite being offered a new deal.