Goalkeeper Barry renews City contract, Penchev stays

Former Malta international goalkeeper Ernest Barry has extended his contract with Valletta by another three years. Barry, who joined the Citizens from Pietà Hotspurs early last season, was tipped to return to Sliema Wanderers in the summer but has opted to remain at Valletta where he is likely to see out the rest of his career.

"Valletta's offer of a three-year contract attests to their faith in my abilities. It feels good to know that the club has a lot of confidence in me and I was only too glad to sign for them," the 35-year-old Barry told The Times.

Joe Caruana Curran, the Valletta president, was equally pleased to have secured Barry's services for another three years. "I am pleased that Barry has agreed to sign for another three years. In his first season with Valletta, Barry showed a lot of enthusiasm especially after he was pondering retirement from football.

"His commitment and performances last season were the chief reasons behind our decision to offer him a three-year deal. There was interest from Sliema Wanderers in him but as I said, I am pleased to have him in our ranks for another three years," Caruana Curran remarked.

The Valletta president also revealed that 32-year-old Bulgarian midfielder Milen Stefanov Penchev has signed a one-year contract with the Citizens.

Left-sided midfielder Penchev, who was recommended to Valletta by former coach Krassimir Manolov, has impressed current mentor Dennis Fenech during his trial with the team in the past two weeks.

Lombardi signs for Pietà Hotspurs

Meanwhile, Pietà Hotspurs, bolstered by their creditable 2-2 draw against potential title candidates Sliema Wanderers in Saturday's opening Premier League match, received another boost of late after they secured the signing of St Andrew's defender Lee Lombardi.

Lombardi, a member of the Malta U-21 squad but currently recovering from injury, was courted by a host of Premier League clubs, including champions Hibernians, but he has chosen to reunite with former U-21 national coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia, now at the helm of the Hotspurs.

Pietà are also close to agreeing a deal with another Australian player, a former team-mate of their defender Mirko Jurilj.