Indian Super League outfit Jamshedpur FC have extended the contract of their captain Peter Hartley. The English centre back had a decent campaign last time out and therefore the club decided to keep him for another year. Hartley will hope that this time he can guide the Men of Steel to the Playoffs.
The experienced defender is known for his game reading, tackling and leadership. He led the team from the back and guided the youngsters with aplomb. The 33-year-old defender played a pivotal role in helping Jamshedpur FC register nine clean sheets last season. He also scored twice from set-pieces, proving that he is a threat on either penalty boxes.
After signing the contract extension, Hartley was delighted as he said, “I had an amazing season with Jamshedpur. We made a club record for the number of clean sheets in a season, and I hope we can better that record in the coming season and bring the ISL trophy home.”
Jamshedpur FC brought in Owen Coyle to reach their targets and the process has begun under the Scotsman tutelage. Hartley sang his praises and was delighted to play under him. He said, “We have a fantastic gaffer in Owen Coyle. I am thrilled to continue playing under his guidance and do well for him as well as for the fantastic supporters of Jamshedpur.”
Coyle returned the favour as he was also very happy with Hartley’s extension. He credited the Englishman’s presence which made Jamshedpur FC a very mean side in defence. “We were mean in defence the previous season and a lot of it was down to how the skipper organized things at the back for us. Like I said when we signed Peter, he is a big player for us who hates conceding goals. He brings with him so much experience from the English and Scottish Leagues, something that evidently rubbed on to everyone around him. It was essential for Jamshedpur to have him again.”
Hartley brings in an ample amount of experience having plied his trade for various English and Scottish teams before coming to India. The 33-year-old started his career at Sunderland and rose through the ranks gradually. He has also featured for teams like Chesterfield FC, Bristol Rovers, Hartlepool. Stevenage, etc. He was plying his trade for Motherwell before joining Jamshedpur FC last season.
