Peterhead are in talks with League 2 player of the year nominee Willie Gibson about extending his stay at Balmoor.
Former Queen of the South and Dunfermline midfielder Gibson signed a one-year contract last summer and has played more than 40 games in the Blue Toon’s title push.
Travelling from Dumfries for games has proved no obstacle for the 33-year-old, who was nominated alongside team-mate Rory McAllister for the League 2 gong yesterday.
Stirling Albion’s Darren Smith and Montrose defender Sean Dillon complete the nominees, with the winner revealed at the PFA Scotland dinner in Glasgow on April 29.
Gibson would be happy committing his future to Peterhead and hopes to round off his season with promotion to League 1.
He said: “We’ve been speaking about extending my stay, which I’m hoping to be tied up in the next week or two. We’re certainly talking (about it) and at my age, you can’t look too far ahead. There’ll be more talks held before the end of the season and hopefully I’ll be signed up for the future.
“Apart from one game where I was suspended, I’ve played every minute. I’m obviously doing well enough on the pitch to be nominated; we’ve got a good bunch of lads, a good manager and that’s all you can ask for.”
He admitted his surprise at being nominated for the award, considering his change in role and the fact he is not among the league’s top scorers. With that in mind, he is tipping his team-mate McAllister to scoop the award next week. Gibson said: “The nominees often go by who has scored the most goals. Rory has been on fire for us and really deserves his place. If I was a betting man, I would probably say he’s the favourite to win it. The team of the year has not been announced yet and I imagine there could be even more Peterhead players in it, which shows what we’ve achieved.”
Putting miles in on the road has not fazed Gibson, who has travelled from Dumfries throughout his career. That sacrifice will only be worth it, however, if Peterhead are a League 1 side next season.
They face Elgin City tomorrow and Edinburgh City next weekend, three points behind title rivals Montrose who travel to Stenhousemuir.
Gibson said: “If we win the next two games, the points tally will be unbelievable. To not go up would be extremely disappointing. We’re looking for favours to go up automatically but if it’s the play-offs, we have to go in with a positive frame of mind.
“The manager, myself and a few of the older boys have talked first and foremost about taking care of our own game. If we win, it’s only natural that we’ll be looking out for the Stenny game.
“I’m pretty sure Montrose would like to have it wrapped up by now and so would we. It’ll probably go down to the last game and Montrose have been fantastic.”