News

Gallagher Extends Contract As Shots Release Seven

Gary Waddock’s first task as Aldershot Town manager has been to confirm the extension of Jake Gallagher’s contract for 2016-17.

The Club have chosen to activate a clause in Jake’s existing deal, signed when the midfielder joined The Shots from Welling United last summer. The England C international, who was named both Players’ Player of the Year and Away Travel Group Player of the Year, made 36 appearances and scored two goals.

Contract offers have also been made to Cheye Alexander, Supporters’ Player of the Year Omar Beckles, 14-goal top scorer Charlie Walker, and Jack Saville.

Seven players have been released, including Assistant Manager Chris Barker, plus goalkeepers Phil Smith and Dan Thomas, defender Sean McGinty and midfielders Sam Hatton, Jim Stevenson and Dan Walker.

Gary will continue discussions with Damon Lathrope about his future during the summer, but is still waiting to speak to Rhys Browne, Joe Oastler, Luke Oliver and Tom Richards, all of whom are currently on holiday.

England C international Gallagher, who was named both Players’ Player of the Year and Away Travel Group Player of the Year, made 36 appearances and scored two goals.

Barker made 87 appearances since joining The Shots on the eve of the 2013-14 season, and was also Caretaker Manager for the final 15 games of 2014-15 as he helped the Club retain Conference status. He was an integral part of Andy Scott’s team which overcame a ten-point deduction in 2013-14 and the following season won a second-consecutive Supporters’ Player of the Year Award. He was then appointed as Barry Smith’s Assistant in April 2015.

Phil Smith played 43 games last season, taking his tally to 94 in two years at the EBB Stadium, whilst Dan Thomas made 11 appearances after signing in August 2014.

Sean McGinty was named Team Captain for 2015-16 and made 28 appearances despite missing the beginning and end of the season with injury. Dan Walker played 40 games and scored two goals for The Shots after joining from Braintree Town last summer.

Sam Hatton made 76 appearances and scored 10 goals for the Club in two seasons, whilst Jim Stevenson, who initially joined The Shots on loan from Luton Town in February 2015, played 63 games and scored eight goals.

We thank all players for their efforts and wish them well for the future.