Smithies Signs Contract Extension

Today, Alex Smithies has signed a contract extension with Huddersfield Town which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2015. The 22 year old had an injury hit season last year in League One and lost his number one spot in the goals to veteran Ian Bennett before coming off the bench in the second semi-final leg to pull off some incredible saves against MK Dons. The youngster then got lucky as Bennett was deemed unfit to play in the Play-Off final at Wembley but he didn't disappoint as he went on to become a hero to all Town fans by both saving and converting penalties in a thrilling penalty shootout.

Smithies has impressed even further now in The Championship and has been a vital part of the team which has seen the terriers take second spot. Grayson gave his reaction to Smithies contract extension earlier today;

"We want to keep our quality players and we're delighted that Alex has agreed to stay at Huddersfield Town for the long term. I think he can see the progression of the Club on and off the field and as a local lad he has a passion and drive to add to that success. He's suffered with niggling injuries over the last couple of seasons, but he's come back in great shape this year and he's started the season well."
 
"The good news for everyone is that goalkeepers generally get better with age and he has played a lot of games for a 22 year-old. He's a very hard worker on the training pitch with our Goalkeeping Coach Paul Crichton and he has two other experienced goalkeepers to learn from in Ian Bennett and Academy Goalkeeping Coach Nick Colgan."

Smithies admitted that the contract extension was easy to accept and was very pleased with how quickly it was all resolved;

"There's obviously a lot of momentum behind the Club at the moment following our promotion to the Championship and I want to make sure I am a part of it. This Club is moving forward quickly and everyone is so excited about what could happen here. I'm glad my contract extension has been resolved so quickly and easily, as I want to focus entirely on my football. It's been great to play all the games so far this season, but with the competition we have for places here means that you have to be at it every single day. I feel fit and well, so my sole focus is on keeping my performances at a high level."

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