June 10, 2020 - 1735 views
Damien Ketley, who is currently making good progress from knee surgery, is one of six more players who have committed their immediate future to Colwyn Bay FC.
So far 14 of last season's squad have agreed to stay on for next season, with the latest including Julian Williams, Mike Williams, Alun Roberts, Toby Jones and Kian Owen. "It is great news for the club," said manager Craig Hogg.
"Damien is now well on the road to recovery following a nasty knee injury and we are all made up for him.
"He has fully embraced his recovery programme following the operation he had and he has worked very hard to stay both mentally and physically strong, which hasn't been easy for the lad at times. He has overcome everything that has happened this year and I'm really proud of him for that.
"It is really pleasing he has agreed terms with us for the next campaign and his work ethic, attitude and desire to win games is so infectious."
Damien commented: "I'm really pleased to be staying here and to continue to be part of this great club.
"From the fantastic people we have on the terraces, to the lads in the dressing room and the people on the board, it is a superb club to be part of.
"It has been a tough six months for me personally with some really dark days after my surgery in January and then my rehab being stop-start due to the pandemic. But I'm now just really happy to feel fit and strong again and I'm aiming to repay everyone for the support I've had."
The manager was also delighted to agree terms with another five players. "Julian (Williams) had a really big impact for the club last season, scoring our first competitive goal back in Welsh football, along with some fabulous goals in the league and Welsh Cup.
"Willo (Mike Williams) is a massive part of the set up here and him agreeing terms is very important for Colwyn Bay.
"He is hugely influential on the pitch, in training and in our dressing room and I'm delighted he will continue to be with us.
"Al Roberts has also agreed to remain at the club and that is great for all parties. He is another local lad who loves the club and we hope to see more of him in the new season as his appearances were very limited last time round due to severe virus he picked up early in the campaign.
"Toby (Jones) is another player announcement that we are pleased with," added the manager.
"It did take time for him to settle into the club, as he was plagued with some persistent, niggily injuries that were related to a bad ankle injury he picked up the season before at a previous club.
"But we know that he is such a dangerously creative player when in full flow and we witnessed that last season."
Young Kian Owen has also committed himself to the club and the manager said: "Kian picked up two caps for the Wales Schools U18s last season and we were all very pleased for him.
"The lad is a joy to work with and he's got a real opportunity at the Bay to continue growing as a player and to develop his football much further.
"I am pleased he is with us as it could be a really exciting season for him and everyone else connected to the club once we get going again."
The manager has confirmed that there will be further squad announcements before the coming weekend.
Reproduced with thanks to Colwyn Bay FC.
