Rory McArdle has agreed a one-year extension to his contract that will see the defender remain at The EnviroVent Stadium until the end of the 2022/23 season.
After signing from Exeter in June 2021, The former Northern Ireland international helped Town make an impressive start to their League Two campaign, before injury ruled him out for the remainder of the year, with Town 3rd in the early standings.
The experienced defender returned in January and would go on to make 26 appearances during his first season at Town, scoring his first goal at The EnviroVent Stadium in April 3-0 win over Carlisle.
McArdle said:
The last season was a bit up and down from a personal point of view, so now we’ve got to take all the positives from last season, as well as areas where we fell short and work on rectifying that to keep the club moving forward.
To miss a large part of the season was frustrating, we’d made a good start. At that point you’re just desperate to get back fit as quick as possible and to start having an influence on the squad on and off the pitch.
Everyone made me feel welcome when I arrived last Summer right from day one of pre-season and that’s where our focus is now to be ready to hit the ground running again.
Having made over 400 appearances in the Football League across an 18-year senior career, Rory’s experience and leadership were two of the qualities that convinced Town’s Assistant Manager Paul Thirlwell to retain the defender’s services.
Assistant Manager Paul Thirlwell said:
Anyone in and around the club or who knows Rory know he’s such a good character on and off the pitch.
He’s had a few difficult times with his injuries last season, but whenever he has been on the pitch he’s had real leadership qualities and adds so much.
He’s a guy that anyone would want around the football club, he helps the younger lads progress and develop their game, while also wanting to play as many games and make a big impact on the pitch.
