Powell brings in defender after successful trial period
- Chris Powell signs Martin Cranie after successful trial period
- Defender has good experience of the Sky Bet Championship
- Martin becomes First Team's fifth summer signing
Manager Chris Powell has today made Martin Cranie his fifth signing for Huddersfield Town’s First Team in the summer 2015 transfer window.
The 28 year-old defender, who has been on trial with the Club for almost three weeks, has signed a one year contract running until 30 June 2016, with Town having the option of a further season.
The Yeovil-born defender, who was a free agent after leaving Barnsley at the conclusion of last season, has played 223 games in the Sky Bet Championship for the likes of Southampton, Coventry City and the Tykes. In Town’s current squad, only Mark Hudson, Dean Whitehead, Sean Scannell and Adam Hammill have played more games in England’s top two divisions than Cranie.
Huddersfield Town Manager Chris Powell explained:
“I’m very happy that Martin has joined the Club for the 2015/16 season.
“When I learned Martin was available to come in on trial with us, I wanted us to take up the opportunity and he subsequently was part of the week-long pre-season training camp in Spain and played 45 minutes in the friendlies against Guiseley, Leyton Orient and Grimsby Town.
“He has fitted into the group very well in terms of his personality and ability and came into pre-season in fantastic shape; he’s a good professional and very motivated.
“I think he fits the bill for us, as he has great know-how of the division and can play all across the back four, with his strongest position being centre back. He will strengthen our defensive options and add real depth for the defensive positions in my team.
“We have a good balance in our signings of Dean Whitehead, Jason Davidson, Kyle Dempsey, Jordy Hiwula and now Martin, so I’m really pleased with how the squad is taking shape ahead of the start of the Sky Bet Championship season at Hull City on 8 August.”
Cranie, a former England Under-21 international, graduated from the Southampton Academy and went onto play 25 games for the Saints in the top two divisions, whilst furthering his senior experience through loan spells at AFC Bournemouth and Yeovil Town.
He made a permanent move too Portsmouth in 2007, although his two seasons at Pompey included further spells on loan at Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic.
His transfer to Championship Coventry City in 2009 brought regular First Team football; he played 120 games over the course of three seasons.
Martin moved on to fellow Championship side Barnsley in the summer of 2012, where he played another 122 games – mostly as Captain – before leaving Oakwell in June 2015.
A video interview with Martin will appear on Town's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/officialhtafc - later today.
Watch the Terriers in action in 2015/16 with a Season Card; click HERE for info!
