It has been a week of mixed emotions for Deveronvale manager Steve Dolan.
Former Fraserburgh attacker Dane Ballard has agreed a new two-year deal and defender Ross Aitken has also put pen to paper on a three-year contract but five other Vale players have turned down new deals, including long-serving centre half and club captain Scott Fraser. The five have been placed on the transfer list.
Dolan said: “After our disappointing extra-time defeat by Nairn County in the Breedon Highland League Cup last Wednesday we now have seven league games left to complete this season.
“I’ll use these seven games to give game time to the players who have committed to the club for next season and to try to bring in some new faces.
“All the players were offered new performance-based contracts towards the end of last month but a number of them have indicated that they are not prepared to accept these.
“The club understands that accepting the change in contractual terms is a significant decision and appreciates the support of the players who have now signed new contracts.
“The players who have not signed to date have been placed on the transfer list.
“They are Scott Fraser, Scott Begg, Kevin Souter, Steven Fraser and Matthew Mackie.
“Keith have already advised that goalkeeper Grant Pennet and midfielder Bradley Manson have agreed to join them after the expiry of their contracts at the end of June.”
On a positive note, however, Dolan is delighted that Ballard and Aitken have signed new deals.
He added: “They are both very important players for the club and core to our future plans.
“Dane has done well after recovering from the broken arm he suffered during Scott Fraser’s testimonial match during the pre-season build-up and he has now scored nine goals since he returned to the team in late October.
“Ross picked up an injury at Inverurie Locos in mid-September but is now back to full fitness.”
Meanwhile, yesterday Vale transferred former Huntly attacker James Duguid to Maud juniors where he has been on loan for much of this season.