Duo sign new Pontefract Collieries deals

Shepherd initially joined the club before the 2021/22 season and has since made 51 appearances for the Colls.

The young defender has quickly become a fan favourite at the Hunters Stadium and manager Craig Rouse is delighted to get the deal over the line.

"Shep is a lad who has come on leaps and bounds over the last 18 months," he said.

"His maturity is beyond his years and he's backed that up in his performances for the club, which have rightly warranted attention. It was important that was rewarded by us a club.

"He sets himself high standards and we expect him to go from strength to strength in the near future, working in an environment where he's trusted and respected by everyone around the club.

"He's a lad that constantly wants to learn and improve so we're delighted to continue helping his progress."

Also extending his stay with the club is young midfielder Harry Spratt.

Spratt, 21, featured in Manchester United's youth system before joining their Under-18's set-up.

He went on to play for Huddersfield Town's Under-23's before enjoying spells at York City and Ashton United.

Spratt has featured 31 times for the Colls this season and will continue to ply his trade for the club for another year.

On the contract extension, Craig Rouse said: "Spratty's performances since he joined the club have been very consistent.

"He's a lad who's very respected in the changing room both by staff and hos team mates.

"He's the type of character that sets high standards whether that's in his preparation, in training or in his performances and that's something that hasn't gone unnoticed around the club.

"He is exactly the type of person/player we want around the place and if we are to have success moving forward, it's vital we have people who want to operate with good standards."