Boss delighted with defender's progress since stepping up from Pewsey Vale

Steve Davis says he is pleased that defender Jon Guthrie’s appearances record has triggered a contract extension for another year.

The defender is closing in on making 100 appearances for the club after enjoying his most consistent season to date.

Guthrie, 23, has played 35 games this season, scoring his first senior goal in the 2-1 home defeat against Barnsley last month.

The option on his contract now takes him through to the summer of 2017 but Steve Davis is considering offering the versatile defender a completely new deal as reward for his form.

Steve told crewealex.net: “Due to the number of appearances he has made, the option on Jon has been exercised and we have him for an extra year.

“I’ve also spoken to him about a new deal as reward for his progress. We have had some discussions about having some scope to do a bit more with him.

“Jon has made great improvements. He knows there is still room for improvement as well and he can practice on weaknesses in his game.

“He has shown great signs of improvement and he has been fairly consistent this season. He still has things to learn to become a better player but he also deserves a reward for the improvement he has made.”

 He added: “It is something we will look at going forward. “