DUMBARTON defender Morgyn Neill admits there was no doubt in his mind that he was going to sign a new contract at the club in the summer – despite offers from elsewhere.
The 24-year-old was a key part of boss Jim Duffy’s squad last season, playing every minute of every game, and became a fans’ favourite in his first season at the Rock after his solid performances in defence and passionate celebrations.
‘Scoop’ has extended his stay at the club for another year at least – and was delighted to see his fellow defenders also sign up.
He now hopes that their familiarity with each other can show on the pitch.
He told the Reporter: “I spoke to the gaffer before the virus and I was going to sign a new deal, but then the virus happened and we had to wait about and see what was happening.
“There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to stay at Dumbarton – there was interest, but nothing that I had to think about or speak to my agent or dad about.
“I spoke to the gaffer a few times during lockdown and I just said to him that nothing had changed on my end and I still wanted to be here.
“We’ve kept most of the boys, and I think the most important thing is that we’ve kept the back four.
“It’s a big thing because there’s an understanding there; me and [Ryan] McGeever started playing well with each other last year and Sam [Wardrop] came in in the second-half of last season.
“We’re all similar ages and Rico [Quitongo] at left-back had a terrific first season of senior football.
“If you create partnerships and people get on then you’ve got a good platform.”
There is a new face, however, behind Neill and the rest of the defence in the shape of goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski.
The Pole joined Dumbarton on a season-long loan deal from Hibernian and Neill has been impressed with the youngster in his first few games as a Sons player.
He added: “Everyone at Hibs thinks highly of him, and rightly so – he’s young, about six foot five and his shot stopping is a joke.
“He’s got the attributes to kick on, and for us as a back four, we all feel comfortable with him behind us.”
Sons’ game with Clyde on Saturday was postponed after a lunchtime pitch inspection, following heavy rain across the west of Scotland during Friday night.
And whilst the centre-half was disappointed with the call-off, he wouldn’t change the C&G Stadium’s home surface.
He explained: “It’s been a long time, and you want to be playing, but we’re going into the winter, so there is that possibility of games being called off, especially for us being on a grass park – but I wouldn’t change it to astroturf.”
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