Echuca United coach Scott Beattie has re-signed with the Eagles until the end of 2015, rejecting attractive offers from at least six rival clubs.
Beattie, who signed a new two-year deal, headlined a list of about 20 player re-signings announced during a congregation of players and supporters at Echuca South Oval yesterday.
Echuca, Kyabram and two Shepparton-based clubs in the Goulburn Valley Football League were among a handful of clubs vying for the 26-year-old’s signature.
Beattie also confirmed Mildura and South Mildura, in the Sunraysia Football League, as other clubs interested.
Beattie, in his third year as Eagles coach, said the club’s on-field performance and bright future was the reasoning behind re-signing.
‘‘I tinkered with the idea of going to a higher league,’’ Beattie admitted.
‘‘I was approached by a number of clubs from the area, as well as elsewhere, but Echuca United’s offer was too good to refuse.
‘‘We’re on top of the ladder right now, finals in a couple of weeks and with 20 blokes re-signing it puts us in good stead for next year and after that as well.
‘‘I want to be a part of that.’’
Beattie joins the likes of Farran and Rowan Priest, Guy Campbell, Ryan Prendergast, Clint Starkey, Daniel Barwick, Nathan Bottomley, Clayton Zanella and Jake Guinan on the 2014 playing list.
With 20 or so players already re-signing, Beattie said it would give the club time to lock down the remaining few and get a jump on recruiting outside talent.
‘‘Their commitment to the club makes it easier for the club going forward,’’ Beattie said.
Beattie, who played his junior football at Echuca United, is a former Geelong VFL player who spent two seasons in Kyabram before signing with the Eagles for the 2011 season.
