Battersby, ten months Render's junior, was drafted in to the Guiseley side following Trinity's 4-0 taming of the Lions at the Kal Group Stadium, going on to keep eight clean sheets in 36 games, as the Nethermoor outfit finished two points and two places beneath Russ Wilcox's men.

Born in Grimsby the player joined his home town club Grimsby Town as a nine year-old and spent nine years in their Academy. He had a nine month spell in Sheffield United’s Under-16s before returning to Grimsby where he signed professional terms in 2018. During his time with the Mariners, Battersby was sent out on loan to Lincoln United, Mickleover Sports, Gateshead, Belper Town, Hereford and Ilkeston Town, to gain first team experience. Experiences that will be invaluable as he competes with Josh Render for the first team goalkeeping jersey.

"Obviously, I'm buzzing to join this great club, I've played here a few times and it’s a great ground and a big club. I've had quite a few conversations with Russ since the end of last season and this was something I’ve been very keen to get sorted and thankfully now, we've got it sorted."

Wilcox's ambitions clearly resonated with the goalkeeper who still resides in Grimsby, "Russ has spoken to me about the ambitions of the club moving forward and I can’t wait to be a part of that and I have big ambitions myself so hopefully we can build on the form the team showed towards the back end of last season."

The draw of working with a coach who has been there and done it, was also something that persuaded Ollie to link up with the Holy Blues, "I'm looking forward to working with Kev Pressman, with the amount of games, at such a high level and experience, it can only be beneficial for me and I can’t wait to get started!"

Continuing, Battersby added, "My aim is still to be a full time pro and I have to prove that I am worthy of that by keeping lots of clean sheets and helping Gainsborough to get into the play-offs. I need to succeed as an individual and by doing that I will help the team to succeed.”

On Ollie Battersby's addition, boss Russ Wilcox was pleased to add quality competition for places in the number one spot: "We are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Ollie Battersby."

"In my opinion it’s imperative we have two goalkeepers at the club this season - to create competition and help drive up standards. It will also help to provide consistency after having six goalkeepers last season, in the league (loanees: Dylan Wharton, Callum Yam, Luke Jackson, Ben Bottomley, David Robson & Josh Render).

"Ollie has good pedigree after starting out at his hometown club Grimsby Town. He’s had lots of experience in non league, plus playing a full season last year at Guiesley. I now have two quality goalkeepers to choose from, with Josh Render also signed on a permanent contract. They are both young and hungry to improve, and they should benefit greatly from the coaching and guidance of Kevin Pressman."

Welcome to Gainsborough Ollie!

Ollie’s away kit is still available to sponsor for the 2024/25 season. His home kit having been snapped up already by James and the team at Chantry Agricultural Engineers.

Article by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Image, left to right, Ollie Battersby, Kevin Pressman, Josh Render