Fraserburgh manager Mark Cowie believes the future is bright having secured five of his players on new contracts.
Captain Willie West, Paul Young, Ryan Cowie and Zane Laird penned new deals until the summer of 2025 prior to the weekend’s Scottish Cup against Arbroath.
Meanwhile, Scott Barbour signed an extension until the summer of 2028.
Boss Cowie is pleased the Breedon Highland League champions have a core of key players tied up.
He said: “I’m delighted, they’re easy to sort out.
“Scott’s got one thing in his mind so it was easy for him to commit long-term.
“Paul’s the same, Ryan’s the same, Willie still wants to go on.
“With young Zane, this time last year we weren’t sure what we were doing with him and we didn’t know if he’d kick on.
“We gave him a chance and he’s taken it and is probably looking at playing more than he is just now.
“He’s come on in games and caused a lot of problems and he’s got a bright future ahead of him.
“It’s a good spine of a team signed up another couple of years.
“Now that’s done I can focus on building this season and into next season.
“It’s a five-minute conversation with these top players – they want to be here, they realise where we are as a club and want to be part of it, which is brilliant for me.”
Goal record in sight for Barbour
Striker Barbour returned to Fraserburgh in 2018 after three years with Formartine United and has netted 219 goals for the Broch, putting him only 18 strikes behind Michael Stephen’s club record.
Cowie added: “When we managed to get Scott back it was a great coup and he’s gone from strength to strength.
“He maybe didn’t have the best start to the season, but the Buckie game and Arbroath on Saturday showed he’s still a top player.
“Hopefully he kicks on and does what we know he can do for the rest of the season.”
Defender Ryan Cowie has been with Fraserburgh for 10 years, but has missed most of the term because of a torn meniscus and a dislocated kneecap.
Brother and manager Mark said: “Ryan got a scan which came back quite good – there’s no ligament of muscle damage.
“So it’s now a case of rehabbing and getting him back on the park, and hopefully by the turn of the year he won’t be too far away.”
Young pressing on
Young joined Fraserburgh from Turriff United in 2017 and has been a mainstay for the Bellslea club.
“Paul’s excellent,” Cowie said. “He’s probably the one player you don’t want to play against if you want time in midfield because he presses so well and his energy is unbelievable.
“We saw last season he knows where the goal is as well. He’s maybe playing a bit deeper this season but I can’t fault Paul.
“He’s been an unbelievable player in the Highland League, thankfully we’ve had him for the last five years and we’re pleased we’re going to have him for the next couple.”
Skipper West is third on Fraserburgh’s all-time list for appearances with 621 games under his belt.
He has also scored 164 goals during a 19-year career during which he’s played in every outfield position.
Cowie said: “Willie just slots in wherever you play him. Age does catch up with you and there will come a day when enough is enough for him.
“But we both think he’s got a couple more years in him. He’s experienced, he’s good on the ball, he’s disciplined and he wins his fair share of headers.
“We’ll see how he goes over the next couple of years – he maybe won’t play every single game Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday.
“But to have him around the dressing room with his knowledge and experience is vital.”
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