KENDALL - "FANS' KINDNESS CONVINCED ME TO STAY"

THE support of Rhyl fans during difficult times was a major factor behind Lee Kendall's decision to stay at Belle Vue, the player has told Lilywhites Online.
Goalkeeper Kendall said he has been overwhelmed by the kindness of both supporters and officials of Rhyl following the untimely death of his father Mark at the age of 49 last month.
Lee initially indicated he would be leaving the Lilies after the two Intertoto Cup ties against Bohemian as he wanted to spend more time with his grieving mother in South Wales.
But the 27-year-old former Wales Under-21 international has been so touched by the help he has received from the club over the past few weeks he has changed his mind and signed a four-year deal.
Last season Kendall made Belle Vue the latest stop in a career which has included stints at Crystal Palace, Cardiff City, Barry Town and Haverfordwest County. He was the key figure behind the meanest defence in the Welsh Premier which conceded just 24 goals in 34 games.
"The club has been absolutely brilliant over the past few weeks," said Lee. "With what has happened to my dad I told the club I needed to spend more time at home with my mum, but they have made it so it's possible for me to do that while still remaining a Rhyl player.
"A couple of clubs were interested in signing me down south - none of them in the Welsh Premier - but I'm delighted to be signing for Rhyl until 2012.
"I'm over the moon, Rhyl are the best semi-pro team in the league and I know the club means business this season. I know some players want to leave, but the fact they've told me they are making some big new signings was another factor in me staying.
"I really enjoyed last season; I went the furthest I've gone in a cup competition (Welsh Cup semi-finals) in my career and although I've played in Europe with Barry and Haverfordwest, playing in a European tie in front of our fans at Belle Vue will be something else.
"We've got the best fans in the league; they've given me a great welcome since I arrived and they've played a big part in my decision to stay.
"I'd like to say a big thank you to them all for supporting me through a difficult past few weeks, especially Mike Jones of the Fans' Association for attending my dad's funeral. I was taken aback, I didn't realise people cared so much."
Kendall is also looking forward to working with head coach Osian Roberts.
"I've worked under Osian at Welsh youth level; he knows the game inside out and I know both he and Allan Bickerstaff will be good for Rhyl."
Kendall's signing is the perfect boost for Rhyl ahead of this Saturday's testing Intertoto Cup first round first leg tussle in Dublin. How does he see the tie going?
"It's going to be two teams with English styles up against each other - a lot of hustle and bustle," he said.
"If we can keep the score down, get an away goal, or even sneak a draw or a 1-0 it will be all to play for at Belle Vue and that is what we all really want.
"Bohemians are top of their league, a strong side. but we had a good result in Northern Ireland last weekend and the belief is there that we can do well."