Tommy signs extended deal
Tommy Smith has today signed a new contract at Huddersfield Town.
The 21 year-old defender has put pen to paper on a new contract that will see him stay at the Club until the summer of 2016, with Town having the option of a further year’s extension at that point.
Smith, who hails from Warrington, started his career in the Tranmere Rovers youth system before making the move to Manchester City in 2003. He turned professional there and featured for their Elite Development Squad but never made a senior appearance for City and subsequently joined the Terriers ahead of the 2012/13 campaign.
Tommy made 20 starts at a mixture of centre back and right back for Town’s Under-21s in his debut season and appeared among the First Team substitutes in the January 2013 FA Cup win at Charlton Athletic, but it is this season where he has made his breakthrough. Since making his debut as a starter in the 2-1 Yorkshire derby win at Sheffield Wednesday live on Sky TV in November, he has started the last 15 games.
His previous contract was due to run until the end of the current season, with the Club having the option of a year’s extension.
Huddersfield Town Manager Mark Robins commented:
“Tommy has played 15 successive games and has done well, as he’s been asked to come straight into a Championship team. He hadn’t played a single minute of senior football before this run in the team, so it’s testament to him that he’s adapted so well. We’ve asked a lot of him and he’s coped really well.
“His new contract is fully justified – he’s earned it – and now he has to kick-on again, which will come through hard work.”
Tommy added:
“The last two years of my career have been excellent. There have been tough periods along the way, but I have really enjoyed them and I am looking forward to what the future will bring.
“Signing the contract signals the start of a new chapter in my career; I am just getting going. I want to continue progressing and moving up and for me this is just the beginning. Although it is only two years, it is still the longest contract that I have signed and I am looking forward to settling down and playing to the best of my ability.
“I am very proud of what I have achieved. It was a brave decision to leave Manchester City and go in search of first team football, but having signed the contract I feel vindicated.”
You can read more of Tommy’s thoughts in his feature interview in this weekend’s edition of GUAH, which will be available for £3 around the John Smith’s Stadium