Rutherglen have moved swiftly to secure striker Jack McIlveen and vice-captain Keirin Coleman on contract extensions to the end of 2022-23 – and boss Willie Harvey says they’re working their way through the whole squad.
Harvey is confident of staying in the West of Scotland League Premier Division following the divisional formation, and is getting due diligence done now.
He said: “We’re over the moon, these are two very influential players that I know other clubs have been sniffing round about and have been in touch with them – it’s not legal, but we all do it, so I’m not going to cry about it.
“But luckily enough we had already been having discussions with Keirin and Jack, and the contracts are signed now, so that’s it. Anyone can speak to them can do that as much as they want now, I don’t care!
“Keirin is vice-captain, so when Tam Miller’s not in the team he’s captain, and he’s an exceptional player.
“He can play in the middle of the park as well, wide on the right, so he brings you more than just defence – with that he can play in the centre or the right. He’s a really influential player.”
Harvey added: “We’re going through the whole squad just now, but we can’t speak to everybody at the same time.
“We’ve had a good season so far and we’re basically working towards the thoughts that we should be in this division next season – that’s what our hopes are anyway.”
Glens are also in talks to bring in at least one new player over the next week or so.
Harvey said: “We’re hopefully close to it, if not this week then I’m hopeful that it will be signed, sealed, delivered next week.
“It looks pretty good.”
The news comes ahead of Saturday’s West of Scotland Premier clash with Hurlford on Saturday and Harvey expects another tough tussle when Darren Henderson brings his side to the Hamish B. Allan Stadium.
He said: “We drew 1-1 with Hurlford at the start of the season and they beat us 1-0 in a friendly.
“Darren Henderson’s teams are always really well organised, hard to break down, a big, physical, strong team – and I don’t mean kicking, just well organised – strong team.
“It will be a hard game, but it’s one that we can win.”
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