Monday 13th January, 2020 at 2:43pm
Partick Thistle can today confirm that defender, James Penrice, has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club until the summer of 2021.
Academy graduate, Penrice, has been a mainstay in the Partick Thistle side under Ian McCall, featuring in every game since the manager took over in September of last year.
The 21-year-old had a breakout campaign last term as he played every minute for the Jags first team, establishing himself as the first choice left-back.
His senior career started back in 2016 when he was handed two starts right at the end of the 15/16 season against Dundee United and Hamilton Accies. The then-17-year-old impressed greatly, even grabbing an assist in a 3-3 draw at Tannadice, being touted as one for the future by many Thistle fans.
A pair of loan spells at East Fife and Livingston followed as James combined senior first team football with regular Development League matches.
Following the club’s relegation to the second tier of Scottish football, there was an opening for Penrice at left-back and the youngster made the position his own quickly, netting his first league goal as a Jag in the first home league game of the 18/19 season.
Thistle manager Ian McCall said:
“I am delighted to get James tied up for next season. He has been a vital part of the side since I arrived at the club and we are looking forward to helping him develop over the next 18 months. If I’m being honest, I don’t know what his best position is yet, as he has the technical attributes to play in a number of roles throughout the team.
“Equally as important as getting James tied up, was the re-signing of Stuart Bannigan on a new long term contract. Stuart is the epitome of everything you want in a Partick Thistle player. The way he trains and the way he plays on a Saturday are an example to others and I think he is getting back to his best form on the pitch.
“Discussions have also opened with Tam O’Ware over extending his stay at Thistle beyond his current contract.”
James spoke to JagZone shortly after putting pen to paper on his contract extension. JagZone subscribers can view it now.
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