Maidenhead United fans have been jumping for joy today at the news that Berkshire-born Sam Barratt has signed a new contract, committing himself to the next 2 years at York Road.
Barratt – who scored 15 goals in 26 starts and 5 substitute appearances for Alan Devonshire’s side in 2020/21 – had been widely tipped to earn a move back into the EFL having re-joined the Magpies last summer after injury had cruelly disrupted his ‘big break’ at Southend United, who the Magpies will now face in the National League next season as the Shrimpers sank whilst Barratt thrived back in Berkshire.
The 25 year old first joined Maidenhead from Bracknell Town ahead of the 2014/15 season and was one of a handful of players retained by Alan Devonshire when he returned to the York Road dug out at the end of that season. Barratt excelled in the National League in 2017/18 following the Magpies Southern section title triumph the season before. Chairman Peter Griffin was absolutely delighted to capture this sought-after signature: “We have beaten off some stiff competition for Sam’s signature and we are absolutely thrilled that he has committed to us for the next two seasons”.
Devonshire has already seen the likes of Josh Coley and Rohan Ince take up attractive offers elsewhere but clinching Barratt’s services once more proves that part-time Maidenhead are endeavouring to be as competitive as they possibly can be in what already looks like as strong a National League line-up as ever before in 2021/22.
Ins and outs: Berkshire men’s 2021/22 non-league football transfers
