SAINTS have announced that young defender Will Armitage has signed a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2026.

The 18 year old centre-back is approaching two years at Saints, having joined from Cheltenham Town on a scholarship deal in February 2022.

He endured a rollercoaster first year at the club, battling through injury setbacks to feature in the Under-18s' league win, with further involvements in the FA Youth Cup run and Under-21s' Premier League 2 title charge in the following season.

"I've had a rocky road with a few injuries," he admitted. "I've come out the other side ready to go and progress as a player, and amongst those times we've had some good achievements.

"I'm feeling positive and ready to kick on now, I came here wanting to get success and strive with a good team to achieve good things."

This season, Armitage has established himself as an Under-21s regular in PL2, describing it as a "step I wanted to make" ahead of the new campaign.

Academy Director, Andy Goldie, added praise for the young defender as he extends his time at the club.

He said: "Will's performances this season have highlighted the progress he's made since joining the academy from Cheltenham Town. 

"Committing a further two years to his future here provides him and us with the opportunity to continue that development longer term."