Defender to be offered new deal after impressive performances

Jon Guthrie will be rewarded with a new contract following his recent good form in the first team. The former Pewsey Vale defender has established himself in the starting line-up at left-back which has allowed captain Matt Tootle to switch over to his more familiar right hand side.

Guthrie, 21, has started the club’s last nine matches at left-back and his growing maturity has earmarked him as a player of potential.

Manager Steve Davis has been surprised by Guthrie’s rapid rise following his move from Wiltshire club Pewsey Vale back in the summer of 2012.

Steve told crewealex.net: “Jon is one we have spoken to and we will offer him a new contract. He has been playing catch-up ever since he came here because he came from a village team.

“To have made the progress he has made and to be now playing at this level is a magnificent achievement. We have been really pleased with him and his rapid rise has surprised us because of where he has come from.

“He is improving all the time and will continue to improve. He has suffered with nerves in the past but he is conquering that and is becoming more confident. I think he is beginning to think he belongs at this level and in the team.

“He has ability and a good attitude to the work. There are aspects of his game we would like to see him improve on such as offering more in the final third.

Steve added: “Jon has been excellent for us and we try to reward our players due to the progress they make.”