Sparkes thrilled to pen new City deal

EXETER City’s Jack Sparkes has spoken of his delight at signing a new contract at St James Park, which commits him to the club until the summer of 2023.

It has been a frustrating few months for the likeable 21-yearold, who broke his collarbone in the 3-0 defeat at Leyton orient early this season, with the injury likely to keep him sidelined until the New Year.

However, the Academy graduate, who now has 89 first team appearances for the Grecians, remains an integral part of Matt Taylor’s plans going forward and the news is the perfect fillip as he continues his recovery.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign the new deal,” Sparkes said.

“It was brought up in pre-season about me signing a new contract but due to the injury we held off a little bit, but now it’s signed I’m really happy.

“There is no better place for me to be playing regular first team football. I’ll be really happy when I get to 100 appearances so I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”

Taylor added his thoughts on Jack’s new deal. “As always, I’m absolutely thrilled that our young players are committing their future to us.

“It’s the hardest part of my job, keeping hold of our young players, which is a great reflection on our academy.”

Exmouth-born Sparkes made his first outing for the first team as a raw 16-year-old and made his debut in a 1-1 draw at Swindon Town in August 2017.

He made six appearances that season and five appearances in the 2018/19 season as the youngster continued his development with two loan stints later in the campaign.

Sparkes’ breakthrough came in 2019/20 when he made 25 appearances for the first team, primarily as a left-back, although his progress was stunted on Boxing Day of that season when he landed awkwardly and suffered a broken leg, which kept him out until June, when the players returned for the play-off campaign.

Last season was Sparkes’ best yet as he made 50 appearances in all competitions – often at leftback – and he chipped in with four goals. Much was expected of him in 2021/22 but that injury at Orient has again stunted his development.