Cheltenham Town sign promising young defender on professional contract

Defender Grant Horton has signed his first professional contract with Cheltenham Town.

The 18-year-old made his first team debut last season as a substitute in the 3-0 League Two win at Mansfield Town.

Hereford-based Horton has built up his competitive experience with loan spells at Worcester City, Bromsgrove Sporting, Yate Town and Chippenham Town throughout his two-year scholarship with the Robins.

He has been on the books of Cheltenham since the age of nine and is regarded as a mobile and intelligent central defender, who can also operate in other roles across the backline.

As reported in May, midfielder Tom Chamberlain is also set to sign a professional contract after impressing boss Michael Duff and starting the EFL Trophy group match at Exeter City last season.

Duff has so far made four new summer signings: Striker Andy Williams (Northampton Town), midfielder Liam Sercombe (Bristol Rovers), defender Lewis Freestone (Brighton) and midfielder Finn Azaz (West Brom, season-long loan).

His next priority is a goalkeeper to deputise for experienced number one Scott Flinders, who is due back from injury in January.