CONTRACTS WAITING FOR LEN AND D.T. TO SIGN 1x584t

Glenavon’s talented full backs Len O’Sullivan and David Toure have both been offered new contracts. 5y615y

“We want the lads to stay,” explained Paddy McLaughlin. “They have been made good offers.”

Len and David, 21 years and 20 years old respectively,arrived at Mourneview Park in January 2024 following spells in the League of Ireland. Len had been with Wexford and Bray Wanderers and had an extended trial with Crystal Palace. David was a Shelbourne player.They live in the Dublin area.

McLaughlin is delighted with the form shown by the two defenders.

“The progress they have made since last November isvery significant,” he said. “They have come on in leaps and bounds. If they are being advised well, they will decide to stay because they are clearly thriving in this environment. They are both still young lads. A few more years at Mourneview Park and the sky’s the limit for them.”

“We are very keen to get them on board,” Paddy continued. “They know that. They also know that we have ambitions to further improve the squad. Hopefully, they will recognise that it is in their interests to stay, keep improving and let us help them to build solidfoundations for their future careers.”

When Glenavon defeated Cliftonville 3-1 at Mourneview Park in February, nine of the eighteen – starting eleven and substitutes – was aged 21 or younger. Since his appointment, Paddy has regularly selected matchday squads featuring six or seven youngsters.

“We have some of the best young players in the country,” he added. “Len and D.T. are just two of an extremely gifted bunch. We will always give lads like Paul McGovern, Chris Atherton, Harry Lynch, Isaac Baird, Sean Carlin opportunities. They bring ability and energy, and ers want to see them play. Some of them have the potential to become the best in the league in their positions. That is how highly we rate them.”

Since Christmas Isaac Baird, Mark Byrne, Peter Campbell, Barney McKeown, Jack Malone, Michael O’Connor and Matthew Snoddy have all signed new deals.

Hopefully, Len and D.T. will put pen to paper soon.