Football news in brief: Douglas signs new Dens Park contract

Rab Douglas has become the latest member of the Dundee squad to sign a new deal.

Following the news earlier this week that Rhys Weston and Craig McKeown have extended their stays at Dens Park, 39-year-old former Scotland goalkeeper Douglas penned a new one-year contract.

"Brilliant to be signed up for the new season," he said. "I don't think there was ever any doubt I was going to stay. I live up here, I've got family connections here."

Nicholson commits future to Preston

Former Aberdeen and Dunfermline midfielder Barry Nicholson has signed a new two-year contract with Preston.

The Scotland cap became a mainstay in the Lilywhites side after returning from his second broken leg in January but was not able to save the club from relegation to League One.

The 32-year-old, who moved south from Pittodrie three years ago, said: "I'm delighted to get it all done."

Ferguson and Posh Old Trafford-bound

Darren Ferguson is heading to his dad's stomping ground, Old Trafford, after last night guiding his Peterborough side into the League One play-off final against Huddersfield on Sunday, 29 May. Posh's hero on the night was Scotland squad member Craig Mackail-Smith who scored the second crucial goal as they overturned a 3-2 first leg deficit to beat Milton Keynes Dons 2-0 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.

Blue Brazil release Crawford and Makel

Cowdenbeath manager Jimmy Nicholl has released veterans Stevie Crawford and Lee Makel in the wake of relegation to the Second Division.

The experienced duo have been freed, along with striker John Dempster, youngster Richie Vauls and stalwart keeper David Hay, who made his 201st appearance for the club in the play-off defeat to Brechin City, while skipper Mark Baxter has decided to move on.

Experienced trio are cut loose by Queens

Queen of the South have started re-shaping their squad for next season and three of their most experienced players are leaving Palmerston Park as cash cutbacks begin to bite.

Skipper David Lilley has been released along with the attacking pair of Derek Holmes and Willie McLaren with Colin McMenamin joining Ross County having turned down offers from Morton, Raith Rovers and the Dumfries side.