KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' Ethan Freemantle has signed a one-year extension to his contract that will take him through to the end of next season.

The 21-year-old will now remain at Aggborough until the summer of 2022, having impressed manager Russ Penn and the rest of the club with his performances, not least in the final weeks of the 2020/21 term.

The Academy graduate has made a total of 21 first-team appearance so far and netted his first senior goal in the game at Gloucester City in January.

Freemantle is delighted with how he has taken his chance this season after initially struggling to get into the team.

"Patience has been key," he said.

"When I first came here I struggled to get into the squad and didn't see many minutes but now I have taken my chance I feel.

"I am over the moon to sign another year with the Club… I think I am showing now that I can start to do it at this level in terms of my performances.

"I’ve always had belief in myself and I have players and staff who believe in me, but I think I am starting to show to the fans now, and people at the club, that I am good enough, and that I am going to take control of what I can take control of.”

The striker admits it's been a very strange year, topped off by the next last weekend that the National League North season is to be declared null and void.

Despite the season coming to an abrupt end, Freemantle is already setting himself goals for the 2021/22 campaign.

"It's been a tough year for everyone," he added.

"But I am very grateful to be able to play football, as all of us lads are, through all of this.

"Being able to come here every day and play for this club, it's been great for me personally.

"This is just the start and this is where I have to keep going with it and work hard and next season my aim is to be one of the best strikers in the league.

"I am so looking forward to doing it in front of the fans as well."