Jags get to work for next season
The 2023/24 season is just getting into the nitty gritty of the campaign, but East Kilbride Thistle boss Aaron Connolly has already tied up some business for next term.
In the last week, the Jags have secured a host of players on new deals as Connolly lays the foundations for 2024/25, following two-year contract extension for both himself and assistant boss Mark Steele at the turn of the year.
Among those renewing their contract for next season are full-backs Ross Kennedy, Lewis Gray and Mark Steele – not to be confused with the assistant boss – centre-back Luke Jackson and midfielder James Scott. Top scorer Mitchell Rooney has also signed alongside goalkeeper Matt Borland and centre-back Ryan Anderson.
Connolly said: “With myself and Mark signing new deals at the start of the month, it is imperative for us to start planning for next season as best we can.
“Since we stepped into this role about 15 months ago, we have always maintained that the one thing this club has lacked in recent years is continuity. Be it changing managers or players.
“We maintained it would be our idea to start with a young squad and help them grow and develop together, and that’s what we are trying to do.
“They are a brilliant group and a great bunch who make my job considerably easier with their attitude and commitment to us.
“I think I must be the first manager in over 10 years who has been in charge for more than one season.
“If we can maintain the level of continuity on the pitch, along with trying to build off the pitch, hopefully this club can have some success.
“It has not had a great deal of that in the last 10 years or so.”
On the players committing their futures to the Showpark, Connolly – who had three spells at the Showpark as a player – said: “I’m delighted to get Ross Kennedy signed up for next season. He’s player I’ve worked with for a long time now.
“He had a stop/start season last year, but this year he’s moved to full back and has really kicked on, we’re really happy with his development.
“James was a standout at U20s last season and worked his way into our first team squad. He’s been really good this season and we’re excited to continue working with him.
“Keeping Steeley for another season is great. His attitude, commitment and desire to improve is first class. He must be fast approaching 50 appearances for the club at 19 years old. He’s the type of player any manager wants to work with.
“Luke has come on leaps and bounds in the last 18 months. He’s a really popular figure in the dressing room and around the club, likes to give me the odd headache but a great boy to have in the squad.
“And I’m really pleased Lewis has committed for another season. He was a standout for our U20s group last season and has a bright future.
“He spent last summer in America, which curtailed the start of his season, but he’s performed really well for us of late.”
On Rooney, who has 18 goals and six assists in 22 appearances, Connolly said: “Mitchell was a player we picked up from U20s league last season after two prolific seasons at Neilston.
“His numbers speak for themselves but, aside from that, he is a good kid who is desperate to improve and develop.”
Connolly added: “Matt has come in and adapted to adult football well, he’s not long turned 18 and we believe he has great potential.
“Ryan was a player I brought into the first team set up as soon as I took over.
“We really like what he brings to the group. He’s had a couple of injury niggles this season but he has got real potential.”