SAUCHIE JUNIORS have already started their planning for next season as they continue to sign key players to new deals.

Last month, Advertiser Sport reported the club had signed promising youngsters Aidan Cracknall and Kieran McMahon to new deals.

In addition to the two young players, manager Fraser Duncan has also already signed a strong core of the group for next season.

Jack Docherty, Darren Carroll, Chic Bell, Jon Tully, Kris Kelly, Conor Kelly and Brian Morgan have all put pen to paper on new deals.

Duncan told Advertiser Sport: “I am delighted to get them in. We should have another couple this week as well.

"I want to go and enjoy my summer holidays with my family, as do the boys, and I want to come back to a strong squad.

"I want to get all the squad signed up and done and dusted early.”

Unfortunately the club were dealt a blow by David Cross signing for Bo’ness United.

Duncan said: “We didn’t want to lose David; we wanted to keep him, but he wasn’t going to sign a contract for next season so he’ll move on.

“I’ve got to look after the club first and foremost. Some clubs would hold on to their players and let them walk away for nothing. We’ve managed to cut a deal with Bo’ness United and we’ll get something back in return.

“He’s initially away on loan at the moment, that deal could become permanent.

“We didn’t want to lose him, he’s been a great servant to the club, has done brilliantly for us and he’s really stepped his game up.

"He’ll be a miss for us and we’re gutted that he’s left. I wish him all the very best.”

Duncan is keen to get the squad committed for next season as the club looks to reap the benefits of the work they’ve put in.

He continued: “We’ve got a squad that’s worth a bit of money and the reason they’re worth money is because we’ve invested time and money in the squad and we’re getting results.

“What we can’t afford is 12 or 14 guys walking out in the summer free of charge; they walk out for free and then I’ve got to go and buy players.

“It doesn’t make business sense for the club. We’ve got to protect the long-term future of the club and that’s what we’re doing.

“Players have been offered contracts and I expect them to sign, but if they don’t, we’ll need to move them on.”