a day ago
Shotts boss thrilled to keep duo at club for another Premier Division campaign
Liam Craig and Ally Martin extended their deals ahead of the club's first pre-season friendly this weekend
Shotts boss John McKeown is delighted to keep skipper Ally Martin and forward Liam Craig at the club after the duo extended their stay at Hannah Park.
Striker Craig - the man who kept them in the top flight this season with a double on the last day of the season - and midfielder Martin have committed for the 2025/26 campaign and it is a big boost to McKeown after a host of exits this summer.
He said: 'Both Liam and Ally are good, experienced players. We lost a lot of players this summer and we didn't expect to lose as many as we did, so it is good to keep a bit of stability there.
'Ally Martin has been with the club for nine years and he's the club captain. He's 39 but he is still one of the fittest players in the squad. He leads by example and it is great to keep him on board.
'That kind of loyalty is unheard of these days so fair play to him. He has a lot to juggle with his family life and his day job as a police officer. It takes a bit of dedication.
'Liam Craig came in towards the end of last season so he arrived at a difficult time.
'It was hard for him to break into the side but he managed to come in for the last few games and scored the double that kept us in the league on the last day of the season against Gartcairn.
McKeown also hopes to add to his squad in the coming weeks.
He added: 'We've got one or two in the pipeline, but nothing sorted yet. We are also hoping to get a player on loan from a senior club so we'll see what happens with that.'
Meanwhile, the club will kick-off their pre-season friendly schedule tomorrow with a closed doors clash against Newmains.
Following that, Shotts face Fauldhouse away on Saturday July 5, Caledonian Braves away on Tuesday, July 8, Cumbernauld Colts away on Saturday, July 12, Thorniewood away on Wednesday, July 16, Blantyre Vics at home on Saturday, July 19 and they finish up with a home clash against new West of Scotland League Fourth Division outfit East Kilbride YM on Tuesday, July 22.
McKeown, whose side will begin their West fo Scotland Premier Division campaign on Saturday, July 26, said: 'We've got a few games lined up and we play our first game against Newmains on Saturday.
'There is work getting done to both clubs' pitches so we've got Dalziel Park booked for that so we are looking forward to it.
'Everything is starting to take shape.'
