TOWN defender Aaron Hardy has agreed a six-month contract at the Galpharm.
The versatile player, who was 21 last Saturday, will put pen to paper when he returns from holiday to take part in pre-season training.
Hardy was offered the deal by new manager Andy Ritchie after finishing the season suffering an ankle injury.
He hasn't played a game since Ritchie took charge and this shortened contract is an incentive to prove his worth in the 2007-08 senior squad in League I.
"I had a chat with Aaron yesterday and sorted a few things out, so everything is agreed with regard to the contract," said Ritchie today.
"I didn't want to make a decision on him without seeing him play, so this is a chance for me to take a good look and for Aaron to show what he can do."
Hardy, who has been with Town all through the Academy, can play at right-back or as a central defender.
He has also been used in central midfield in the Reserves by coach John Dungworth, but he'll be aiming to put pressure on Frank Sinclair, David Mirfin and the Clarke brothers, Nathan and Tom, in the senior squad next season.
Meanwhile, Ritchie has rubbished suggestions that Simon Charlton could be set for a return to the Galpharm after being released by Oldham, who are signing former West Brom frontman Lee Hughes on his release from prison.
Town's fixtures for the new season will be out in a fortnight - they are due for release on Thursday, June 14 - when Leeds will replace relegated Bradford as the main derby.
