Colin Spence says the hunt is on for more hidden gems after tying down three of Irvine Meadow’s top performers on new deals.
The Medda co-boss moved quickly this week to hand contract extensions to summer signings Connor Boyd and Martin Findlay which will keep them at the club until May 2022.
Centre-half Neil Slooves will also be at Meadow Park until at least then too after committing to another year with the club.
Spence reckons all three have been a revelation this season and insists it was important to move quickly to ward of preying eyes.
Boyd in particular has raised eyebrows with six goals in eight competitive games having made the step-up from amateur football.
Spence said: “Connor has been a absolute gem of a find.
“It’s not just his goals, his workrate has been absolutely phenomenal too.
“When a player puts themselves in the spotlight like Connor has, it’s natural that people will sit up, take notice and ask ‘Who is that lad?’
“We had Connor signed on amateur forms so it was important we got him tied down on a proper contract and we’re delighted he’s done that. He’s enjoying his football here and long may it continue.”
Slooves and Findlay have formed a formidable defensive partnership at the heart of the Dow defence since being thrown together at the start of the season.
Injuries to Calum Gow and the now departed Darren Miller gave them a chance to cement their place in the starting 11 and both have seized the opportunity.
Spence added: “Neil has been a standout this season.
“He’s only 24 but there’s no doubt in my mind he’s on his way to becoming one of the best centre-halfs in the league if he keeps working hard and improving.
“He came to us a few years ago having played in America and Iceland and I think it took him a while to get used to the hustle and bustle of the Junior game.
“He’s getting there now though and he’s more aggressive in everything he does.
“He’s maybe still a wee bit quiet at the back but he’s working on improving that.
“We gave him the captaincy when Mark McLennan was out so that speaks volumes about just how highly we rate him.
“Martin is someone who made the step up from the league below and done really well. He’s young too so can only get even better.”
Meadow’s strong start to the season certainly vindicates the decision by Spence and fellow co-manager James Latta to scour the lower divisions for talent.
Spence reckons its the way forward for the club, particularly in the current climate with every penny a prisoner at this level.
He added: “At the budget we are working with we’ve got to look for the gems out there.
“These players are hard to find but they are out there.
“It’s meant us looking down the leagues a wee bit and giving boys a chance.
“We have to hope they take that opportunity and to be fair to the boys who have come they have all jumped at the chance.”
