 He completed his resurgence by signing a new three-year contract at the end of the 2003–04 season, but suffered at the hands of suspension and injury for much of 2004–05.He returned to the side in early February 2005 and was soon back to his solid best with some commanding displays in the heart of the back-line.In March 2007, Roper suffered significant damage to his knee following an injury picked up during the 1–0 defeat at Stockport County on 20 February.