Huddersfield Town youth trio handed first team contracts

TOWN have handed teenage duo Aiden Chippendale and Chris Atkinson new two-year contracts.

Winger Chippendale, pictured, and midfielder Atkinson will join striker Jimmy Spencer, who is already on a deal through to 2011 after being fast-tracked into the first-team squad earlier this campaign, as first-year professionals for next season.

Boss Lee Clark, who included Chippendale in his matchday squads for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at Chesterfield in October and the League I game at Brentford earlier this month, has high hopes for all three.

As injured midfielder Ian Craney returned early from his season-long loan spell at League II Morecambe, Clark explained: “The decisions on Jimmy, Chippy and Chris were taken after discussions between myself, (development coach) Paul Stephenson and (academy manager) Graham Mitchell.

“Jimmy has trained with us for large periods this season and already has a contract whereas Chippy and Chris have been offered two-year terms.

“I think it is vital to give these young players a bit of long-term security. I want to take any anxiety away when they join us in the first-team squad.

“Everyone in the game has to prove themselves every day but when you are working from summer to summer, young players can become anxious.

“We want these lads to concentrate on what they are good at. If they are enjoying their football, they will play at their best.”

While right-back Stephen Powell’s future has yet to be decided, Adam Bower, Josh McClean and Ryan Watson will not be offered professional contracts by Town.

Clark, meanwhile, is continuing the countdown to Saturday’s key clash at Stockport, when play-off chasing Town will be backed by more than 3,000 fans.

Basement side County, whose relegation has already been confirmed, are hoping to have defender Danny Swailes back after he missed Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Leyton Orient for personal reasons.

Town have sold their full allocation of behind-the-goal tickets for the Railway End at Edgeley Park, with the 200 which remain being for the Popular Side (touchline).