Ronan Scannell will not return to Ards next season, having agreed a move to his previous club Cliftonville.

Ronan Scannell

The very talented left-back enjoyed two seasons with Ards after signing for Frankie Parks in 2003. At the end of his first season he was voted best Irish League left-back in a BBC radio poll, but did not have the same level of consistency to his game last season.

He lost the left-wing back slot to Kris Pike and was employed in several positions, including the centre of defence where he performed quite well, and the centre of midfield where he continually looked out of place.

He was contracted with Ards to the end of next season, but the club have decided not to stand in Ronan way as he moves on to join the other ex-Ards players Cliftonville bound, Gary Kennedy and Sean Cleary.

Some good news however is that Kris Pike has signed on for another year. Striker Andrew Waterworth remains in contract although it is expected he will be offered an improved deal.

Southerner David Fairclough was not offered a new contract by George Neill and will not be returning - he is rumoured to be talking to Dundalk and Newry.

ardsfc.co.uk