Neilston have confirmed that experienced duo David Gordon and Stephen Stirling will remain at the club next season.
Co-manager Derek Carson, who last week unveiled the Farmer’s Boys first summer signings, has told Barrhead Sport that he is delighted to retain Gordon in a player/coach role and fend off competition from a number of clubs to re-sign Stirling on a one-year deal.
Former Neilston captain Gordon, 38, joined the coaching staff with Carson and fellow co-boss Chris Cameron last year after Martin Campbell and John-Paul Dow left the Brig before being convinced to pull his boots back on as he made 14 appearances in the second half of the season.
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Carson has revealed that Gordon was interested in focusing more of the coaching side of things this season once again, only to make a U-turn after impressing in the first pre-season sessions.
“We’re delighted to get David back on as a player,” Carson said. “He decided last season that he wanted to play which helped us out so much. We’re very happy with that because we don’t think he should be retiring.
“Myself and Chris spoke to him and he is desperate to do the coaching side of things but we believe he easily has at least another season in him so we’ve been able to get him in as a player/coach again.
“The thing is, in his head he felt like he wasn’t going to be good enough any more but once he started to get fitter, he quickly realised he could still contribute at this level. He finished last season really strong with us and he was happy to come in for a full pre-season. He’s been keeping up with the younger boys no bother so was keen to sign up.”
Former Rangers youngster Stirling, meanwhile, has committed to the Farmer’s Boys despite interest from several junior sides.
The 29-year-old, who has also enjoyed spells at Stenhousemuir, Morton and Stranraer, joined up with Neilston back in February, slotting seamlessly into the midfield, with Carson admitting he was relieved but not surprised with his loyalty.
“Steph’s CV is just different class to be honest,” Carson said. “He always promised us that he would be back this season if he was fit enough. He’s gone away over the summer break, kept himself in top shape and he was only too happy to put pen to paper because he knows us and the club well.
“He actually had a few offers from elsewhere but refused them because he’s a loyal guy. What a signing he is for us.”
With Gordon, Stirling and the vast majority of last season’s squad all signed up as well as four new faces joining up with the side last week, Carson insists he is now only looking to bring in three or four more before the club’s summer business is complete.
He said: “We’re hoping to have them all sorted by the end of this week or the beginning of next.
READ MORE: Paul Stewart targeting a sustained promotion push with Neilston next season
“We’re only looking at around four players maximum joining now with one being a keeper. I would like to sort those out sooner rather than later and that would be us very, very happy with our dealings.”
“We didn’t need to have a major overhaul through the summer, we felt we needed to bring in some experience on board and we’ve absolutely did that so far. A young player and a couple of more experienced players and that would be us.”
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