Town have confirmed the signing of New Zealand U20s international keeper Henry Gray and have revealed that Scotland U18s number one Woody Williamson has signed a professional deal and Antoni Bort has agreed an extension.

TWTD reported the Blues’ recruitment of Gray (pictured above) on a two-year deal from New Zealand Central League side Waterside Karori following a trial in May. He was previously with A-League club Wellington Phoenix’s reserves.

The 18-year-old, who played the second half of Saturday’s U21s friendly at Bury Town, subsequently travelled to Argentina for the FIFA U20 World Cup but without featuring in any of the All Whites’ games.

Williamson (below) featured regularly for the U18s and U21s last season, and also won his first Scotland U18s cap.

The 17-year-old has now penned a professional deal tying him to the Blues for two years.

Belgium-born Lowestoft-raised Pole Bort (below), 20, missed much of last season due to injury and has had his Town contract extended for a further six months with his previous terms up this summer.

“This shows our commitment to nurturing young talents and building a strong squad for the future,” head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin told the club site regarding the deals.

“We firmly believe that their unique skills and passion for the game will contribute significantly to the club's success.

“Henry is someone we’ve known about for a while now, so it’s good to have him here.

“Woody had an impressive season last year and has the potential to continue his development further, while Antoni Bort is a prime example of someone who’s committed to working hard and not letting setbacks get in the way of his development.

“I’m looking forward to seeing their progression over the course of the season.”

Photo: ITFC

cressi added 14:40 - Jul 11 Got excited for a moment. Good luck lads
1

USA added 14:59 - Jul 11 We're not short on keepers then
7

Generic added 15:01 - Jul 11
4

JewellintheTown added 15:15 - Jul 11 Stocking up and cornering the market on keepers then? Does Ashton know something about a keeper shortage that we don't? Like the toilet rolls rush in the Covid pandemic?
6

JimInGreensboro added 15:34 - Jul 11 Until now, keeper has not been a Gray area for us.
3

Linkboy13 added 15:40 - Jul 11 It's good to know the clubs in safe hands. On the subject of Covid my next door neighbour purchased 40 toilet rolls during the pandemic, didn't do him any good still got the virus.
5

Ipswichbusiness added 16:06 - Jul 11 First Slicker, now this; anyone else think that Hlaky's days with us are numbered?
0

Blueballs83 added 16:19 - Jul 11 This is great news that we are looking to the future with strength and depth in the GK position, but anyone else getting a little worried about the lack of attackers in the squad? With Yates signing for Swansea and Ellis going to Coventry, that's 2 of the top strikers that could have been great options for us. Hirst could still happen, but with his lack of game time for Blackburn last season, I'm not completely confident he is quite ready for a starring role in the champ and would rather have him plus one with more of a record at this level. I feel that if we don't make a move for someone soon, we could end up I'm the same position as last season, reliant on Freddie!

4

Europablue added 16:45 - Jul 11 Blueballs83 Two of the top strikers in England. We should look to somewhere in Europe.
1

barrystedmunds added 17:08 - Jul 11 We've always got Jackson!!!
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cooper4england added 17:23 - Jul 11 Everyone keeps talking about Hlaky being off. Can we be certain it won't be Walton?
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superblues9 added 18:26 - Jul 11 Anything in the rumours hirst Is at Portman road now?
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Blueballs83 added 18:35 - Jul 11 I agree @Europablue, but our scouting network hasn't left these shores for over a decade! Must be some great strikers in La Liga 2 or Bundesliga 2 who we could attract!
0

OliveR16 added 19:17 - Jul 11 It is quite funny. Sometime in the future every keeper in League 1 will be on loan from Town . . .
1

Henz10 added 21:19 - Jul 11 Seems a strange move Why sign so many young keepers? This one needs explaining
2

billys_boots added 21:51 - Jul 11 @superblues9 yes it would appear (whispers from the right places) that he's had a medical today, passed and signing permanent deal.
1

bobble added 22:55 - Jul 11 i never realized that the covid virus was being spread by cunning chinese communists using goalkeepers and toilet rolls...............you definitely learn something everyday, wait till i tell my mate don trump about this....
1

churchmans added 00:32 - Jul 12 Blueballs83 la liga2 and bundesliga 2 are not as good as the championship in terms of qaulity! You maybe reaching there! As for Yates,surridge there not better than what we already have but is Joel piroe an option?
0

Nobbysnuts added 07:54 - Jul 12 This is not ticking any boxes for me.....
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bobble added 07:57 - Jul 12 Henz10 ....easy ,the new fifa rules that require 3 goalkeepers will pressure us to employ more of them
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Ipswichbusiness added 08:20 - Jul 12 Cooper4england; no we can't be certain, but Walton is no.1 in a successful, rising team. I think it's unlikely that he would want to leave.
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Powrigan added 08:22 - Jul 12 Are we looking to field a whole team of Goalies? 😂
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fifeblue added 09:21 - Jul 12 Goalkeepers 'R Us
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:24 - Jul 12 perhaps the formation next season will be 3 in goal and no fullbacks , interesting . ''WE WILL BUILD A WALL '' LOL
1

politemudslinger added 10:37 - Jul 12 As it's a bit quiet on the transfer front, I noticed that the remarkable Kazuyoshi Miura - still playing professional football at 56! Happy to play my part this season, I'm 57 next week! Just give me final 10 mins against Norwich!!!
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