Midfielder Fin Shrimpton is delighted to be remaining at the club for the 2021-22 season, with the one-year option in his contract activated by the club.
The local-born 18-year-old gave his thoughts to iFollow Iron, alluding to an injury he suffered during the season which set him back in his progression: “(I’m) buzzing. Obviously, I’ve had a bit of a tough year this year, so the gaffer giving me my option has helped me out to let me prove myself next year.
“It’s been hard. I did the ligaments in my ankle around Christmas time, and I’ve recently had a hernia operation too. I need a big pre-season, and hopefully I’ll be alright.”
Despite not yet featuring for the first team, Shrimpton has shown glimpses on what he has to offer in the Under-23s Central League, on loan at Frickley earlier in the season and in training, suitably impressing manager Neil Cox to remain at the club for another year.
“I’d like to think so. I’m happy that the gaffer has given me another chance,” he continued.
“He hasn’t seen much of me this year. I went out on loan early on and he watched a few of those games, so I’m delighted that he’s given me another year. The loan spell was very good, and I enjoyed playing at Frickley. I think I played eight full games, and it was a good battle playing against older men. I enjoyed it a lot.
“The intensity is different and in central midfield, they’re all aggressive, quick and strong. It’s something you have to put up with. I enjoyed it and thought I did well.”
The youngster already has his eyes on pre-season and knows it’s going to be the biggest of his career so far. That hard work has already begun behind the scenes, with Shrimpton keen to use the off-season to get up to speed: “I’ve got to put my graft in and see what happens.”
“It’s definitely going to be a big pre-season. I’m still coming back to fitness, so I’m working with Scotty (Johnson, Head of Physical Performance) to get fit, ready for pre-season. I’m getting that in ready. I’ve got to prove myself and repay what the gaffer has given me another year for.
“Coming in from the youth team is a massive step up. Training with the first team boys, you’ve got to be on top form every day, which is hard. Over the year, I feel like I’ve come on a lot, but picked up a few silly injuries which happen in football.”
See much more from Fin Shrimpton on iFollow Iron.