Grimsby Town Football Club are delighted to announce that midfielder, Harry Clifton has signed a new three-year-deal with the club until 2021.
The club had triggered the year extension at the conclusion of the season for Harry’s contract however, the 19-year-old has now penned a new deal with the club.
Signing his first professional contract with the club at the age of 17, Clifton has progressed through the GTFC Academy system, making the breakthrough into the first team towards the end of the 17/18 season.
After making his debut as a substitute away at Yeovil Town in January, Clifton made 8 appearances in 10 games since Michael Jolley took over as manager of the club and his manager is thrilled that Harry has pledged his future to the club.
“Harry is fully deserving of his new deal”, said Jolley. “He broke through into the first team last season and established himself as an important player for us during the run-in.”
“I have said from day one that I would like to include young, local players in the squad; but I can only do this if they earn the right and show themselves to be good enough to move the team forward.”
“Harry makes my job easier in this respect because he has qualities – energy, work rate and a great attitude, which make him an easy selection. He has technical quality too and I know that he will use this new contract as a platform to work even harder and continue improving as a player.”
“I think in the long term, Harry will play in central midfield for Grimsby. I certainly wouldn’t rule that out in the short term either, but his versatility and ability to play in several positions is a big strength for him and for us. Well done Harry.”
Harry spoke to gtfc.co.uk this afternoon after penning his new deal and the local lad is thrilled to secure his future. “I’m absolutely over the moon with it, I can’t wait to get started but to be offered a contract like this has really made me so happy”, said Clifton.
“I am grateful to the gaffer. He started playing me towards the end and we got some really good results and he has obviously showed faith in me and is going to give me the time to develop and become a big player for this club. Obviously things can change in football, so I need to keep my performances up, keep my drive and hard work up or else I won’t be given these opportunities”.
Attention now turns to pre-season, where Harry is looking forward to lacing up the boots once again. “The gaffer has told me to come back as strong as possible, which I’m planning on doing”, said Clifton. “Obviously there is going to be a lot of competition and nothing is guaranteed but with a contract like this it shows that he wants to work with me and develop me for a few years.”
“I’ve got a decent reputation in pre-season based on my fitness and bits so I just can’t wait to get started. Obviously competitive fixtures are what you crave but you need the pre-season and these friendlies to get your sharpness back and develop and I can’t wait now to just be kicking a ball!”
Harry Clifton has signed up for the 18/19 season. Have you? Secure your season ticket now via our online ticket store.
