Deveronvale striker extends deal ahead of surgery

Deveronvale striker Dane Ballard has signed a twoyear extension to his contract to keep him at Princess Royal Park until the summer of 2022.

Ballard will have a knee operation this week after fans helped raise the funds via a Just Giving appeal so that the procedure could be carried out privately.

Vale manager Steve Dolan said: “I’m really pleased Dane now has a date for his operation and a clearer timetable for recovery.

“We have missed Dane’s goal-scoring capabilities since his injury, although other players have stepped up to try to fill the gap.

“Dane scored 24 goals in season 2017-18 and was the first Vale player to pass the 20 mark since Mike McKenzie in season 2011-12. Everyone at the club wishes Dane well for the operation and for his recovery.”

Meanwhile, Turriff United bolstered their squad yesterday by signing five new players – Lee McAllister, a 19-yearold midfielder formerly with Inverurie Locos; Jacob Otto, a 19-year-old goalkeeper; John Furey, a 25-year-old central defender from Amateur club Nicolls XI; James Robson, a 19-year-old defender who has joined on a two-year deal from Hermes; and Lewis Buxton, a winger or striker who has also been at Peterhead.

United also announced two-year extensions for brothers Luke and Owen Kinsella, as well as local youngsters Ross Strath and Rory Brown.

Turriff manager Kris Hunter said: “I’ve known John Furey for a wee while. He has played for Scotland amateurs and he’s a big, strong really fit lad so I’ve given him the opportunity to try Highland League football.

“I think we need a bit of strength in the team and that’s why we’ve taken in John. We’ve also brought in young Lee McAllister who will give us a bit of strength in the middle of the park and goalkeeper Jacob Otto.

“We tried to get him last year but he was with Cove. He has shown up really well and we’re hoping he will push Fraser Hobday for the number one spot.

“Lewis Buxton is another young player I’ve been watching for a couple of years.

“While he was with Peterhead he was loaned out to Colony Park in the juniors. He is a tremendous talent, a cocky wee lad who has a great belief in his own ability and he really is a great prospect.

“Youth is the way ahead for a club like ourselves.”