Morpeth Town are delighted to confirm that five of the current squad have penned new deals to remain at Craik Park for the next two seasons.
Carl Finnigan, Jack Foalle, Liam Henderson, Ryan Hutchinson and Michael Turner have all agreed two-year deals with the club, with Sam Hodgson also set to follow suit shortly.
The Highwaymen can also confirm they have taken up the option to extend Joe Walton’s contract, with the midfielder netting an impressing 16 goals in all competitions last season to end as our top scorer.
Manager Nick Gray, who has all of the current squad returning for the new campaign, was delighted to get everything in place, with the future looking bright especially when considering the end to the previous campaign when Town went 10 unbeaten and rose quickly up the Northern Premier League table.
“I’ve had conversations with all of the squad and I keep in regular contact with them,” Gray told the club website.
“The fantastic news is all of the current squad have agreed to stop on, including six agreeing new deals.”
So, does that mean a quiet summer for the Highwaymen on the transfer front?
“I’m really happy with the squad and would gladly stick with what we’ve got,” continued Gray.
“But I’m a firm believer you can never stand still and if we think we can improve the squad we will do.
“You always have it that, sometimes, current players’ circumstances with work etc. can change and they may not be able to commit or they think they may need a different challenge.
“Because of that, we always have to be on the lookout so that we don’t leave ourselves short in strength and depth. But I must say that he has to be a very good player to improve our squad.”
Chief Executive Mark Hedley expressed his happiness at getting deals confirmed and in place ahead of the summer.
“As a club we are delighted that we have managed to agree new two-year deals with Jack, Michael, Liam and Sam,” he commented.
“They have played a huge part in the success of the club in the past few seasons, and we are confident that they can help the squad continue to push ourselves to challenge in the coming season, whenever that may begin.
“It’s also pleasing that we have agreed a two-year deal with Carl Finnigan and Ryan Hutchinson, who have made such positive impacts in their short time with the club.
“I’m particularly delighted that we have managed to retain all of last season’s squad, who at the time of the lockdown were in such good form, and we are delighted with the composition of our squad, which will hopefully allow the club to challenge for honours again in the forthcoming season.”
We will have reaction from the players involved throughout the week so keep an eye on our website and social media channels.
