Grimsby Town Football Club are delighted to announce that 17-year-old goalkeeper, Ollie Battersby has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The young 6’3″ Goalkeeper has put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half year contract, after originally joining the Mariners at Under 9 level until Under 15’s, when he then joined Sheffield United. Battersby then rejoined the GTFC Academy in 2017, penning scholarship terms with the club.
Following his continued development and excellent form this season, First Team Manager, Michael Jolley has seen enough to secure the services of Battersby for the next two years.
Speaking exclusively to gtfc.co.uk, Battersby’s Academy Manager, Neil Woods spoke about the youngster securing his first professional contract.
He said: “It’s very well deserved. His work ethic, his attitude and his performance levels have warranted what he’s got, so I’m really, really pleased because the young lad has got what he’s deserved.
“We’ve conceded 10 goals at the halfway point of our season – he’ll be the first to admit it’s not solely down to him, but the goalkeeper plays a big part in that.”
And Battersby said it was a proud moment signing his first professional contract, and achieving a boyhood dream.
He said: “It’s a dream come true to get my first professional contract because I’ve been at this club since a very young age.
“It’s a very proud moment for me and my family, and I can’t wait to prove the club right on their decision to give me the contract.
“I’ve known Macca (James McKeown) for years and he’s been a massive part in me getting this, and Sam (Russell) as well – he’s been really good to me, he’s been pushing me in training and that’s really helped me.”
And Town boss Michael Jolley said the goalkeeper has the platform for a potentially “really successful” career.
“Congratulations to him and his family – it’s a big moment for him, but it’s also just the beginning for him because when you become a professional, the demands and expectation on you change.
“Whenever he’s been with us in the first-team group, he’s really impressed us with his training and his attitude.
“He’s now got a platform to move forward and build what we hope, for him, can be a really successful career.
“Ollie’s next objective is to try and go from being the number three goalkeeper to try and become the number two goalkeeper, and then in the end, hopefully the number one goalkeeper.”
Battersby will wear the number 28 shirt and follows in the footsteps of fellow Academy graduates, Harry Clifton, Max Wright and Ahkeem Rose to make the transition from the GTFC Academy to the First Team.
