Deveronvale have been boosted by the news that 23-year-old former Dundee defender Connor Rennie has extended his contract with the Banffers.
The full back has enjoyed his four seasons at Princess Royal Park and is delighted to be able to extend his stay.
He said: “I first arrived at Vale on loan from Dundee for six months four years ago and I enjoyed myself so much I made it a more permanent move once that loan period had expired.
“I am naturally a right back but with our centre half Scott Fraser having been out injured since the start of the season I have been converted into a centre half.
“I maybe don’t share big Scott’s physical attributes but hopefully my ability to read the game has helped me adapt.
“It certainly helps that I can play the ball out of defence as well, helping to bring the midfield into play. Unfortunately, our long injury list this season hasn’t been good for continuity but we just have to get through.”
Rennie hopes to celebrate his new deal by ending Turriff United’s excellent run of league form in this weekend’s derby at The Haughs.
He said: “The Turriff game will be a cracker. We played them at The Haughs a few weeks ago in the Aberdeenshire Shield and they only just edged us out after extra time.”
Vale manager Ally MacLeod said: “I am delighted Connor has put pen to paper to extend his contract at Deveronvale as he has been outstanding this season, playing in an unnatural central defensive role due to our long injury list.
“He has shown a positive professional attitude towards the role asked of him every week and Connor is a player who features massively in my long-term plans for the club.
“Connor came from a full-time professional background, having been with Dundee as a youngster, and he has that same professional mentality towards training and towards games.
“Since we arrived at the club we are trying to raise the standard of professionalism at Deveronvale. Connor fully understands that and has really taken it on-board.”