Keith renew co-captains' deals ahead of new season
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KEITH have received a boost ahead of the new Highland League season after co-captains Ryan Robertson and James Brownie renewed their deals with the club.
The pair’s renewal is the latest coup for the Maroons after they also secured the futures of 18-year-old centre back Lewis Coull and 23-year-old midfielder Liam Duncan late last week.
The Maroons have also secured the services of former Turriff United left back Liam Cheyne and recruited experienced front man Michael Taylor in what has been a positive few days for the club.
Keith manager Craig Ewen says he is pleased with the additions and added that he’s happy with how the squad is shaping up ahead of his side’s league opener on Saturday.
He said: “Michael is actually one that’s been done for a while.
“We just needed to wait for his registration to expire with his previous club.
“He’s signed a two year deal. He’s an experienced striker. Played for Cove Rangers, Banks O’ Dee, Turriff United, Cuter, Dyce so he’s got good experience.
“He’s a big lad so he’ll give us a physical presence.
“Liam Cheyne, we just felt that we were lacking in defensive areas and the chance came up to sign Liam.
“He has a lovely left foot. He’s played a couple of times for us already and he’s done really well so we’re really pleased for him and he’ll be a valuable member of the squad.
“In terms of the squad as a whole, you’d always like to get a couple more in terms of quality additions but that’s just where we are as a club.
“In terms of our depth though, it’s actually pretty decent so we’re not in a bad place but you’re always looking to improve.”
Keith have recorded back to back wins in their last two pre-season friendlies against Bridge of Don Thistle and Deveronside.
However, Ewen says his side’s preparations for the new season have been a “mixed bag” as he targets an improvement on last season’s 15th place finish.
“We’ve had some good and we’ve had some bad but at the end of the day we’ve just been trying to get them into a position where they’re match fit and ready to give their best,” Ewen said.
“Overall, we’re just looking for improvement so the target is hopefully to get inside that top ten/top half.
“Potentially, we would love to have a couple of good cup runs as well.
“We’d love to take a cup back to Keith but I think as a team we know what we’re up against with how tough teams in Aberdeenshire are.”
Keith will kick off their season with a trip to take on Deveronvale on Saturday at Princess Royal Park.
