SQUAD SEASON 20/21 We are delighted to announce the majority of last season’s playing squad have extended their stays at Penicuik Park for season 2020/21 with only Sam Jones and Scott McCrory-Irving leaving the club. Those remaining are Aaron Somerville, Callum Connolly, Andy Forbes, Craig Stevenson, Paul Tansey, Robert Watt, Kieran Watson, Ryan Baptie, Greg Page, Lumbert Kateleza, Gregor Lamb, Jamie Devlin, Mark Tait, Liam O’Donnell, Sean Stewart and Darrell Young. Also returning to the club after a successful loan spell with First Division Conference A winners Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale is Joe Viola. Manager Tony Begg said, “The most important goal for myself for this close season was to retain the core of the existing playing squad. I am delighted that we have managed to do this and the players have chosen to stay with us for the coming season. I am really pleased with the group of players we have and the balance within the squad. We all just can’t wait to get back and get the season started.” WELCOME TO PENICUIK – PAUL THOMSON We are delighted to confirm the signing of defender Paul Thomson from Lowland League side Vale of Leithen. Centre half Paul joined Vale for a second time last summer having previously represented Edinburgh University, Spartans Juniors, Dundee North End, Tayport and Spartans, as well as having a spell in Iceland. Manager Tony Begg said of his new signing, “Paul is a player I have been tracking now for some time. His attributes as a defender will really add to the squad and I’m looking forward to working with him this coming season.” Welcome to Penicuik Paul. WELCOME TO PENICUIK – DEAN SHANKS We are delighted to announce that Dean Shanks has joined Penicuik Athletic as a first team coach. Dean’s playing career saw him have spells with Spartans Amateurs, Spartans Juniors, Edinburgh United, Tynecastle and Hawick Royal Albert before he went into coaching. He was appointed as Manager of Hawick Royal Albert while they were in the Lowland League and notably led them to a 3-1 victory away at Berwick Rangers in the Scottish Cup. He moved onto Gala Fairydean Rovers in 2018 where his side achieved a mid-table finish the Lowland League and a third round appearance in the Scottish Cup. He left Gala at the end of his season and joined the coaching team at East Kilbride. Dean was then part of an interim management team at East Kilbride for a number of months last season, leaving the role in February. Tony Begg said the following, “I am delighted Dean has agreed to join us. He’s someone I have known for a while now and we share similar ideas. He’s got really good experience, most recently at Gala and East Kilbride, and I’m sure his skills will complement those of the rest of the coaching team really well. I know he, along with everyone else, can’t wait to get started again and hopefully that will be in the near future.” Welcome to Penicuik Dean.