‘Future is bringing the kids through’

The player manager agreed a three year extension to his current deal at the weekend and fans were delighted to hear the news which was revealed before the game against Glentoran.

“I’m delighted to agree a new deal,” said Hamilton. “I have supported the club from a boy and I am thrilled to be here for another four years.

“This is where my immediate future lies, I don’t know what will happen in four years time, but right now I am here to do my best for Glenavon.

“Since I came it has been slow and steady progress and that is the way it has to continue. “My goal now is to try and push for Europe on a regular basis. We are close this season, but I want Glenavon to be challenging for Europe every year.

“It is tough because if we miss out this year we will have to cut the wage bill. Looking at our team we have players who will be moving on because of their age, we can’t go out and get like for like by splashing the cash becasuse we don’t have it to spend.

“That means bringing kids through is key to us keeping moving forward. If we can get the right blend of young players breaking into the first team then it means I only have to look at one or two new faces which is better than having to go out and look for four or more.

“We have been successful in bringing the young players with potential through and we also have seen players like Robbie McDaid and recently Shayne Lavery get a move across the water. Hopefully that trend will continue.”