Talks underway to tie down more key men
By Rory McKee
ARDS have got the ball rolling in their attempts to retain a number of key players beyond this season.
Captain Michael Ruddy, an integral figure this term in what is his second spell with the Red and Blues, has extended his stay at the club. The 31 year-old’s displays in the heart of defence have led him to be many supporters’ pick for their player of the season and he is now set to add to his tally of 133 appearances.
A contract extension has also been offered to midfielder Aidan Steele, following a standout campaign from the former Crystal Palace man. There is likely to be interest from elsewhere in Steele, 22, who was Ards’ leading goalscorer this term with 12 strikes, but the club are naturally eager to secure his signature for at least another season.
Meanwhile, talks are underway over new deals for out-of-contract quartet Max Greer, Connor Maxwell, Eamon Scannell and Conor Scannell. Darius Roohi, Ryan Arthur, Ethan Simpson, Zach Barr, Gary Donnelly and Patrick Cafolla all remain under contract at Ards, with long-serving midfielder Cafolla set to undergo cruciate ligament surgery at the end of June which is expected to rule him out for a large part of next season.
On Sunday, it was confirmed that first team coach Nicky Maye will be stepping down from his role. Chairman Warren Patton described Maye as ‘thorough in everything that he did,’ adding: “Nicky played a great part in our achievements this season and I would like to wish him all the best on his football journey.”
Returning to Ards as Academy Director of Football is Steven Cairnduff, who arrives after a three-year stint as manager at 1st Bangor. Cairnduff boasts over 18 years of coaching and management experience across youth and senior football in Northern Ireland and previously guided a number of Ards youth teams to great success.
