Arbroath have fought off interest from abroad and from higher domestic leagues to keep midfielder Ross Chisholm at the club until the end of the season.
Boss Paul Sheerin regards the former Hibs man as crucial to their hopes of climbing the third division table in the second half of the season.
Sheerin is also progressing his January squad-trimming process by telling Marc McCulloch, Jay Shields and Jim Hamilton that they can leave the club.
On persuading 22-year-old Chisholm to stay at Gayfield for another six months, he said, “Ross has been excellent for us.
“He’s obviously not the only player who has been doing well, but he has been driving us forward and has been very influential.
“We’re delighted to get him tied up until the end of the season, and hopefully he can help us get into the play-offs.”
Sheerin added, “I know he was offered full-time football in Ireland (there was interest from other Scottish clubs and from Sweden), but Ross maybe felt he would be lost to the game a bit if he left the country.
“He’s settled here and he says he’s enjoying his football more than he’s done for years.”
If agreeing a new contract with one of your prize assets is the upside of the January transfer window, letting senior pros know they aren’t in your plans is the downside.
Sheerin said, “I’ve spoken to Marc McCulloch, Jay Shields and Jim Hamilton early to try and give them the best chance to find another club.
“I’ll have to speak to another couple as well, unfortunately.”
He added, “The contracts of all three are up in the summer, so they’re well within their rights to stay and fight for their place, but the way I see it they won’t be playing as big a part as they would want to.
“It’s tough on Marco, in particular. He’s been our club captain and is very popular in the dressing room. He’s been a great servant, but I think he needs games.”
Arbroath chairman John Christison was as delighted as his manager that they were able to strike a deal with Chisholm.
He said, “It’s great news. Paul has got the basis of a good side and I don’t think there’s any doubt that our fortunes improved when Ross came into the side.
“He’s potentially one of the best players in this division.”