In an era when footballers are often castigated as greedy and only interested in lining their own pockets, one Brechin City player has knocked back the promise of large amounts of cash to remain loyal to his club.

And Kevin Byers' decision to sign a new contract with Brechin City, a decision which has also been followed by team-mates Neil Janczyk and Richard Walker, has meant the talented midfield player not only knocking back more lucrative amounts of money, but also the chance to ply his trade much closer to home.

Byers is one of a number of players who had been targeted by newly-crowned third division winners East Fife and, while recognising that the move would have made the player richer and his travel arrangements easier, his manager is over the moon that he and his colleagues have committed themselves to Brechin City once again.

"I am delighted to get Kevin, Neil and Richard fixed up," said O'Neill. "They are all consummate professionals who train hard, show the sort of desire and committment we are looking for and who want to play at the highest possible level they can.

"In Kevin's case, it's widely known that he was being touted all over the place. You read these things here, there and everywhere and some of the amounts of money being quoted are staggering. I think he deserves all the more credit for not just jumping to the largest lump of cash that was offered in his direction.

"Also, you only have to think how he played in the two games against Hamilton to see his worth. Kevin gives you the ability to win matches; he is the most technically gifted individual at the club and we are delighted to have him on board again.

"People forget that Neil was playing first team football for Hearts. Yes, he has his detractors, because his style of play is not what everyone in the Scottish game appreciates.

"But he has shown, with his ability to pass the ball and read the game, that he can perform at this level on a consistant basis. I think that there is much more to come from him," O'Neill added.

"Richard Walker is one of these players who makes a manager's job so much easier. He works hard, trains hard, always wants to be involved and obviously his pace and versatility are real assets."

With these three joining the likes of Davie White, Darren Smith and Charlie King, the back-bone of next season's squad is already taking shape, with the manager obviously keen to attract fresh blood in the close season.