Paul Watson and Dougie Hill are staying with Raith Rovers

Raith Rovers boss Grant Murray has persuaded both Paul Watson and Dougie Hill to put pen to paper on a new deal with the club

The defenders have both agreed to sign a new year-long contract.

Watson was a key component last season for Raith with Murray admitting he was a big loss when he was out for almost four months with a broken foot.

They join skipper Jason Thomson, striker Calum Elliot, and midfielders Kevin Moon, Liam Fox and Ross Callachan in committing to Rovers, along with newcomer Craig Barr, for a daunting Championship campaign that will feature games against the likes of Rangers, Hearts and Hibs.

The news is a much-needed boost for Raith who last week discovered that star men John Baird and Joe Cardle had signed pre-contracts with Queen of the South and Ross County respectively.