Ards skipper Scannell commits to a further two years
ARDS Football Club have announced that captain Eamon Scannell has signed a two-year extension to his current contract.
Scannell has been an ever-present in the starting lineup since he joined for the club from Linfield in 2021, making his debut against Annagh United in August of that year
The 27-year-old has gone on to rack up 188 appearances for the Red and Blue Army, scoring a total of 43 goals in all competitions, and was named captain in January past, when stalwart Michael Ruddy departed.
Playing alongside his brother, Conor Scannell, he started 34 games and chipped in with five goals this season, missing just one match and finishing the campaign as the club’s fourth highest goalscorer behind Jack Reilly (10), Jamie Browne (8) and Zach Barr (7).
Under his leadership, Ards took their league tally to 52 points and finished second in the bottom half of the NIFL Championship table this term, trailing only Institute in the post-league split standings.
Although there was no relegation in Northern Ireland’s second division this term, the side currently playing at Clandeboye Park would have been comfortably safe, with Warrenpoint Town, Ballinamallard United, Dundela and Armagh City all below them.
With the Ards skipper now committing additional years of his future to the club, suffice to say the deal has delighted manager John Bailie.
“It’s important we keep players of Eamon’s calibre at the club and build on it. He is a pleasure to work with every week and his desire for Ards Football Club to be better shows with his commitment for a further two years,” he said.
“There is no doubting that he is one of the top performers in the Championship, and on his day, he can change a game, so securing his signature is great for all of us.”
Scannell has made an instant impact as captain and clearly has the full backing of boss Bailie, who has trusted him to guide the team, acting as the leadership focal point, but the playmaker admits there is work to be done.
“I love it here at Ards FC, and the club and supporters have been brilliant to me since I came on board,” Scannell stated.
“I want us to be better in all areas though, and whether it be on the terraces, in the changing room, or on the board of directors, we all need to pull in the same direction and try to push the club on.”
