We are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Callum Ainley on a one-year deal following his departure from Crewe Alexandra this summer.

The 25-year-old, who can play on the flanks or as a number ten, departed the Railwaymen after making 278 appearances having come through the youth setup with the Cheshire club and has signed a deal until the end of the season with Town.

Ainley joined Crewe at the age of eight and made his debut for the club as a 17-year-old in September 2015, scoring his first goal later that season.

He was part of the 2019-20 squad that saw the Gresty Road club earn promotion to League One and the Swindon-born player made 53 league appearances across the following two campaigns in the third tier.

On joining the club, Ainley said: “The gaffer brought me in and I was really impressed with him, with training and the way he sets up. The fanbase, as well, played a part. It’s a massive fan base and that obviously is big for a player.

“It’s a really good group of lads and everyone has been welcoming. They’re all big characters but I get on with them all and the training intensity has been great.”

After securing Ainley’s signature, manager Paul Hurst said: “We’ve signed Callum to add to our attacking options. He’s got a wealth of experience at League One and League Two level with Crewe having come through and spent his career there up until now.

“He can play in the wide areas or as a number ten and he’s very technically gifted. He’s someone who will add to our options and I think that was important after losing Charles Vernam until the new year. We’ve been light with the injuries – hopefully they will be back soon – but we need to give ourselves options and Callum certainly does that with him having a good pedigree in our league and the one above.”

Welcome to the Mariners, Callum!

Are you interested in becoming Callum’s kit sponsor? If so, please contact our Commercial Manager Matthew Disley by emailing matthew@gtfc.co.uk.

UTM