TOWN defender Aaron Hardy’s contract has been extended through to the end of the season.
The 21-year-old, injured when boss Andy Ritchie first arrived at the Galpharm in April, had been on a six-month deal.
And the versatile South Elmsall-based player has done enough in his eight appearances so far this season to convince the boss he’s worth a longer look.
“Azza was struggling with an ankle problem when I was appointed,” explained Ritchie, who will have Hardy in his squad for Saturday’s League I visit of Luton, when kick-off is 12.00.
“He couldn’t even train, let alone play matches, and having talked to my assistants John Dungworth and Martyn Booty, I thought it would be remiss of me not to have a first-hand look.
“That was the thinking behind giving him six-month terms, and I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen so far.
“Azza is versatile, having done a decent job as a stand-in centre-half as well as playing in his usual right-back role.
“He’s not the finished article, by any means, so extending the deal gives us the chance to work on him on the training pitch.
“Azza also has the chance between now and the end of the season to convince us he’s worth another contract after the latest expires.”
Hardy, who made his debut two years ago at Boston in the then LDV Vans Trophy, has made 18 appearances in all.
He is one of 15 players whose contracts run until next summer, the others being Matt Glennon, Simon Eastwood, Frank Sinclair, Joe Skarz, Shane Killock, Matt Young, Chris Brandon, Danny Schofield, Danny Racchi, James Berrett, Mitchell Bailey, Andy Booth, Lucas Akins and Luke Malcher.
