Dumbarton midfielder Stuart Carswell admits that the Sons fans had a big part to play in his decision to sign a new deal with the club.
The 25-year-old finally put pen to paper a couple of weeks ago ending a speculation-filled summer that had Dumbarton fans refreshing Twitter feeds and the club’s official website to see if last season’s Sonstrust Player of the Year would be staying at the club.
Interest in Carsy was high with teams at part-time and full-time level putting offers on the table, but it was Jim Duffy’s one-year offer that he opted for, signing on the dotted line last month.
READ MORE: Jim Duffy admits Sons summer business is behind schedule
And the former Motherwell and St Mirren man is pleased to have confirmed his future and is looking forward to the competitive action beginning next Saturday.
He said: “I’ve been at the club for a few years now and I’ve enjoyed my time.
“If I were to start something new now then I think it would have to be the right thing.
“There was a few teams interested and offering me better deals but with working for C&G Systems and seeing the money they’ve put into the club and the stadium, I decided to stay with the club.
“It took me the full summer to think about it but I just thought I enjoy it so there was no need for a change.
“Hopefully we can have a better season and see where we end up this year.
“When you’ve spent a few years at the club you get a connection with the faces around the club and the fans, and things like that do come into your thoughts when you’re considering your future.
“I’m glad I’ve signed now and I’m looking forward to getting pre-season out the way and getting into proper games.”
Carswell is one of just three faces from last season’s squad that are remaining at the club for the coming season, with Kyle Hutton and Conor Brennan also extending their deals.
Hutton and Carswell have created a strong partnership on and off the pitch since the duo joined up at Dumbarton, but Carswell has jokingly questioned the scoring record of his teammate.
READ MORE: Kyle Hutton turns down offers from elsewhere to remain at the Rock
Former Rangers man Hutton recently told Reporter Sport that he did all of the running for Carswell in the middle of the park.
And that was a comment that Carsy didn’t let go without response, having a pop at Hutton’s record in front of goal.
“He can say that all he wants but one thing he doesn’t do is score any goals,” Carswell joked. “He’s played two seasons now and scored no goals - it’s unheard of.
“Even I’ve scored more than him and I don’t usually score at all.
“But we do have a good connection on and off the pitch and enjoy a lot of nights out together and stuff.”
Elsewhere, Dumbarton took part in a closed door friendly on Friday night with seven first team stars and six trialists involved, two of which were on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win against Nigerian side Toplevel Academy.
And it is expected that Duffy will make decisions over the future of the trialists in the upcoming friendlies against Dunfermline Athletic, Dundee United and Hamilton Accies.
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