Josh made his debut for Trinity as a second half substitute, in the victory over Hyde United at the Kal Group Stadium. He went on to make his full debut, away at Matlock Town. The Blues running out 4-0 winners, with Render making some key saves with the game at the time, finely poised. Again, coming on as substitute in the final game of the season, the 'keeper again tasted victory, as he helped the team to a 3-2 win over the Champions, Radcliffe.

Now looking ahead to the new season, Render is focused on what lays ahead for himself and the team: "I hope we can build on what we did at the end of last season, and be pushing for those play-offs. Which I have full belief we can. I am looking forward to getting back to pre-season and setting the foundations for the season ahead."

The shot stopper has an excellent pedigree, having been with Sheffield Wednesday since the age of 13, working his way through the academy and earning himself a pro deal. Making a dozen or so league and cup squad appearances, Render was on the brink of a breakthrough, but he opted for a year in Austrailia: "A full season in the Australian second tier of football, was great for me. I won Players' Player of the Year there. I came back after that and trained with Doncaster for a couple of months and then Gainsborough through the rest of the season and now here we are."

Manager Russ Wilcox was also pleased to land a permanent goalkeeper, after a season that saw eight different players pull on the gloves for Trinity during 2023/24. "I am delighted that goalkeeper Josh Render has signed a contract with us for the upcoming season. He came to us to train, initially after playing a full season in Australia. He really impressed me with his hunger to succeed. His attitude and application was first class. His chance to play came after Dylan Wharton got a blow to the head against Hyde United. His full debut came three days later at Matlock Town away. For me he was outstanding, keeping a clean sheet, making an important save at 1.0 and distributing the ball well. Welcome on board full time, Josh."

Last season, as well as Render, Sheffield United youngster Dylan Wharton started the season, before Callum Yam appeared once on loan from the Blades. Trinity then crossed Sheffield, to Wednesday to secure the services of Luke Jackson. Jackson picking up a freak injury away at Marske that ruled him out for the season. Outfield player, Lewis Butroid stepped in to see out the game (though it was subsequently expunged from the record books). Ben Bottomley, from Doncaster Rovers was next in on loan, whilst U21 'keeper, Ethan Cowan made a couple of appearances in County Cup fixtures, before Wharton returned on New Year's Day.

When Wharton suffered concussion, Wilcox borrowed Dave Robson from Hull City for a month, before Wharton & Render saw out the season together.

We extend a warm Gainsborough Trinity welcome to Josh ahead of the new season, after his arrival originally went a little under the radar. Here's to a successful stay at DN21!

Article written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Photos courtesy of Ross Nicholls