Transfers
news
New goalkeeper boosts Gainsborough ranks
Young goalkeeper Ollie Battersby has been unveiled as Gainsborough Trinity's latest summer signing.
The former Grimsby Town shot-stopper joins the club from Northern Premier League rivals Guiseley and will compete for the number one shirt alongside Josh Render.
The pair will be mentored by former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman, who made over 400 appearances for the club and had a long career in the Premier League and Football League.
Battersby spent nine years in the Grimsby academy earlier in his career and, after a brief spell playing for Sheffield United's U16s, returned to the club to sign his first professional deal in 2018.
During his time with the Mariners, Battersby was sent out on loan to Lincoln United, Mickleover Sports, Gateshead, Belper Town, Hereford and Ilkeston Town to gain first team experience.
The 22-year-old admits conversations with manager Russ Wilcox convinced him to make the move to the Northolme as Trinity look to improve upon last season's eighth-placed finish in the Northern Premier League.
He said: "Obviously, I'm buzzing to join this great club. I've played here a few times and it’s a great ground and a big club.
"I've had quite a few conversations with Russ since the end of last season, and this was something I’ve been very keen to get sorted, and thankfully now we've got it sorted.
"Russ has spoken to me about the ambitions of the club moving forward and I can’t wait to be a part of that. I have big ambitions myself, so hopefully we can build on the form the team showed towards the back end of last season."
Manager Russ Wilcox said: "We are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Ollie Battersby."
"In my opinion it’s imperative we have two goalkeepers at the club this season, to create competition and help drive up standards. It will also help to provide consistency after having six goalkeepers last season in the league.
"Ollie has good pedigree after starting out at his hometown club Grimsby Town. He’s had lots of experience in non-league, plus playing a full season last year at Guiseley.
"I now have two quality goalkeepers to choose from, with Josh Render also signed on a permanent contract.
"They are both young and hungry to improve, and they should benefit greatly from the coaching and guidance of Kevin Pressman."
Photo credit: Gainsborough Trinity
The pair will be mentored by former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman, who made over 400 appearances for the club and had a long career in the Premier League and Football League.
Battersby spent nine years in the Grimsby academy earlier in his career and, after a brief spell playing for Sheffield United's U16s, returned to the club to sign his first professional deal in 2018.
During his time with the Mariners, Battersby was sent out on loan to Lincoln United, Mickleover Sports, Gateshead, Belper Town, Hereford and Ilkeston Town to gain first team experience.
The 22-year-old admits conversations with manager Russ Wilcox convinced him to make the move to the Northolme as Trinity look to improve upon last season's eighth-placed finish in the Northern Premier League.
He said: "Obviously, I'm buzzing to join this great club. I've played here a few times and it’s a great ground and a big club.
"I've had quite a few conversations with Russ since the end of last season, and this was something I’ve been very keen to get sorted, and thankfully now we've got it sorted.
"Russ has spoken to me about the ambitions of the club moving forward and I can’t wait to be a part of that. I have big ambitions myself, so hopefully we can build on the form the team showed towards the back end of last season."
Manager Russ Wilcox said: "We are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Ollie Battersby."
"In my opinion it’s imperative we have two goalkeepers at the club this season, to create competition and help drive up standards. It will also help to provide consistency after having six goalkeepers last season in the league.
"Ollie has good pedigree after starting out at his hometown club Grimsby Town. He’s had lots of experience in non-league, plus playing a full season last year at Guiseley.
"I now have two quality goalkeepers to choose from, with Josh Render also signed on a permanent contract.
"They are both young and hungry to improve, and they should benefit greatly from the coaching and guidance of Kevin Pressman."
Photo credit: Gainsborough Trinity
