Ardeer Thistle manager Sean Kenney signs contract extension

The first of those was manager Sean Kenney, who has signed a contract extension which will keep him in Stevenston until at least June 2025.

The contract will see Kenney's spell in the managerial hot-seat extended to a fourth season.

The Ardeer committee say that this was the "first brick" in a "vision" for the future at Ardeer Stadium.

A spokesperson said: "The committee is delighted that Sean has committed himself to the club for the season 2024/25, and it's the first brick in the new committees long-term plan and vision for the club.

"We are already planning for next season and have identified the importance of keeping Sean and we are now working with him on preparing and shaping his squad for next season."

And  Kenney himself said he is looking forward to being able to build from his work so far.

He commented: “I’m delighted to commit to the club for another season.

"It has been a pleasure working alongside the new committee and it’s great to see the work they’re putting in for the short and long term future of the club.

"For the first time I believe I will be able to build on my squad this summer with this plan in place.

"Every season has been a rebuild so far but it has been a privilege working with every one of these players this season so we will be looking to finish this season strong and build on things again next season.

"I want to thank all of our fans for the support over my three seasons and I’m looking forward to continue working hard and giving them a club they can be proud of on and off the park.”

The club has also been boosted by a trio of key players committing themselves to the club for the 2024-25 campaign - defender Jack Gibbons and young midfield pair Greg Kean and Jack Loudon.

Kenney is delighted to have the trio on board, who he hopes can keep improving with time.

He said: "As soon as we had word back from the committee that they would make this possible, the conversation with Jack (Gibbons) happened.

"He has been excellent since coming to the club. We have honest conversations and feedback constantly and Jack will only get so much better.

"He has so much in his locker and I believe he can go on to be a top defender.

“Greg has come in and done well since joining. When Greg is at it, he’s a massive player for us. He’s chipped in with four goals from midfield so far and he’ll be looking to add to that.

"We both agree Greg can keep improving and developing his game, which is exciting considering the ability he has already."

Turning his gaze on Loudon, a graduate of Thistle's under-20s, Kenney added: “Since Jack was promoted from the 20s two seasons ago he’s been our most consistent player.

"He is very talented and has so much potential. We’re looking forward to seeing his improvement at the club and really kicking on.

"Jack's attitude is excellent and he’s getting better all the time.

"I have massive faith in Jack and believe if he keeps working hard he can become a top player.”

Ardeer - along with every other club in the WoSFL bar one - were idle on Saturday thanks to the sub-zero temperatures that left pitches across large parts of Scotland frozen or covered in snow.

Kenney's side are due to return to action this Saturday, December 9, when they travel up the coast for a Third Division clash against Port Glasgow.

Kick-off at Parklea is at 1.30pm.